Frequently Asked Questions

What is a TABC Server Permit?

This is the actual Server Permit issued by the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission or TABC. Since June of 2002 the permits are issued for 5 years, prior to June 2002 permits were issued for 3 years. They are valid anywhere in the state of Tennessee.

Is the TABC permit different from T.I.P.S or BAR CODE cards?

YES. The only valid permit allowing you to serve alcohol in Tennessee is a Server Permit issued by the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission.

Who needs a TABC Server Permit?

Anyone who is serving or will be serving liquor or wine in the state of Tennessee. This includes servers, bartenders, and managers that would help behind the bar or run drinks for anyone with the exclusion of anyone who owns more than 5% of the business.

How long is a TABC Server Permit valid?

If you received a TABC permit before May 31, 2002 it is valid for 3 years. If you receive your permit after May 31, 2002 it is good for 5 years.

When do I need a TABC Server Permit?

You will need a permit if your permit is expiring or within 61 days from your date of hire, or within 61 days from changing your job status to any position in which you will be serving alcohol.

My manager says I can get a temporary permit. How do I do this?

Starting May 8, 2002 the TABC no longer issues temporary permits. A new employee has a 61 day grace period from the date of hire to have a valid TABC Server Permit on the premises.

I took a class 3 years ago and my permit is expiring. Can’t I just take the test without attending another 5 hour class?

NO. It is required you take another TABC certified alcohol awareness course and apply for a new permit. You need to take our class at least one week prior to your expiration date to be sure your permit will not lapse during the turn-around time. If contacting other trainers it is important that you ask about their turn around time because some can take up to 4 weeks. You will also need to ask if you are responsible for picking up you own permit.

For information on renewing your permit, click here.

I have 2 dates on my card. Which one do I go by?

Go by the issue date on the front of the card. This is the date the TABC uses to determine if your card is valid.

Can I work if my permit is expired even though I have already taken the class?

NO. You are not working legally if there is not a valid TABC permit copy in your establishment or on your person regardless of whether you have had the class or not. THERE ARE NO GRACE PERIODS.

What is the class?

In 1995 the state of Tennessee passed a law requiring anyone serving liquor or wine in the state of Tennessee to take a class in alcohol awareness. This class teaches proper awareness, prevention techniques, carding techniques, and proper intervention.

How long is the class?

The class is required by law to be at least 5 hours of instruction. In our classes we take 2 breaks, and depending on the time of the class we sometimes take a dinner break, so you can give your brain a rest. This will add about 30 minutes to an hour to the 5 hour class time.

How much does the class cost?

Trainers set their own prices. The cost of our class is $55.00, which includes the $10.00 TABC certification fee, and the $5.00 for your TABC Server Permit. When calling other trainers, be sure the price quoted includes your $10.00 TABC certification fee and the $5.00 application fee for your permit.

What if I work in an establishment only serving beer?

For employees that work in an establishment serving only beer the class is $40.00.

I am a manager. Can I take your class and meet the requirements for the yearly certification required by the Knoxville Police Department?

Our class does NOT satisfy the manager requirements for the Knoxville Police Department. The cost of the KPD class is $40.00 which does not include either the $10.00 TABC certification fee or $5.00 application fee. You will need to be sure to tell them you want your TABC certification.

How do I sign up for your class?

Click here for permit requirements, class schedules, and our contact information.

How do I pay?

Pouncey Partners accepts cash, company checks or Visa and Master Card the day of the class unless PRIOR billing arrangements have been made. NO PERSONAL CHECKS ACCEPTED.

Brad Green M. Ed. accepts cash or a company check the day of the class unless PRIOR billing arrangements have been made. NO PERSONAL CHECKS ACCEPTED.

What do I need to bring to class?

You need to bring money or something to eat for dinner break, if applicable. For identification you will need one of the following: Driver's license, state I.D. card, military I.D. , photo passport, resident alien card. THIS IS NOT AN OPTION. YOU MUST HAVE A PHOTO I.D. as noted above.

What if I work at 2 different restaurants?

We take care of everything for you and both locations.

Can you do a class at our location?

YES. State law requires trainers to notify the TABC at least 7 days prior to any class is scheduled. Just e-mail us or call. We require a minimum guarantee of at least 15 students.

Can I get a replacement permit if mine has been lost?

YES. If you have taken our class just contact us. We keep a copy on file for you the cost is $10.00.

If you took a class other than ours you can contact the TABC office nearest you. You can go to the office, fill out another application, pay $10.00 and get a replacement permit that will be dated back to the date of your original permit.

I took a class and never received my permit, why?

You did not come to one of our classes.

Most trainers do not pick up the permit for you and the TABC does not automatically mail one to you. You must contact the TABC office nearest you to get your permit issued. If it has been longer than one year since you took your class you will not be able to get a permit until you take another class. Classes are only valid for one year for the issuance of an original TABC Server Permit.

How do I contact the TABC?

Knoxville office:	(865) 594-6342
Chattanooga office:	(423) 634-6434
Memphis office:	(901) 543-7284
Nashville office:	(615) 741-1602

If you do not know which office to contact just call the main office in Nashville and they will be happy to help you.

I only work lunches do I need a permit?

YES.

What is a manager questionnaire?

This is usually referred to as the pink sheet. It is a form all managers working in liquor by the drink establishments need to complete and have notarised. It must then be submitted to the TABC PRIOR to taking their new position. This form must be filled out and submitted by every manager in a location. A new form must be completed every time a manager transfers to a new location even within the same company. If every manager at your location does not currently have a form on file with the TABC, they need to take care of this immediately.

	How To Get A Permit
	Permit Management System