Maryland Alcohol Awareness Training Program

Alcohol service is more than pouring drinks — it’s a responsibility to protect your guests, your establishment, and your community. Every time you serve, you make decisions that can prevent accidents, reduce risks, and keep people safe. In Maryland, the law requires all alcohol servers, managers, and licensees to complete an approved Alcohol Awareness Training Program, because your role is the first line of defense against underage drinking and intoxication.

This 3-hour Maryland Alcohol Awareness Training Program provides the knowledge and skills you need to serve responsibly and confidently. Through real-world examples, practical techniques, and interactive knowledge checks, you’ll learn how alcohol affects the body, how to recognize signs of impairment, and how to handle difficult situations like refusing service. You’ll also understand your legal responsibilities under Maryland law, including what counts as “reasonable efforts” — checking IDs, preventing intoxication, refusing service, and protecting both guests and the public.

At the end of the course, you’ll be prepared to:

• ✅ Recognize the risks of alcohol misuse and its impact on public safety

• ✅ Understand Maryland’s alcohol laws and the consequences of violations

• ✅ Apply effective strategies to prevent underage sales and detect fake IDs

• ✅ Identify signs of intoxication and know when and how to intervene

• ✅ Follow house policies and use documentation to protect yourself and your employer

Once you complete the course, you will need to schedule and take a proctored final exam in person (as required by Maryland law). After passing the exam with a score of 80% or higher, you’ll receive a Maryland Alcohol Awareness Certificate valid for 4 years.

Whether you are new to the hospitality industry or an experienced manager, this program is designed to make training clear, practical, and engaging — so you can feel confident serving responsibly while staying compliant with state regulations.