Maryland Alcohol Awareness Program

Maryland law requires each retail alcoholic beverage license holder, or a designated employee, to complete an approved Alcohol Awareness Program. At least one certified person (licensee or supervisory employee) is generally expected to be on the licensed premises during all hours when alcohol may be sold.

Certification from an approved alcohol awareness program is typically valid for 4 years and must be renewed to remain current.

Some Maryland counties (for example, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Howard, Cecil, and others) may go beyond the state minimum and require at least one certified person on-site at all times alcohol is served, or apply additional staff training requirements under local rules.

Steps to Be Compliant in Maryland:

1. Confirm county/local requirements:
   Check your local alcohol board or licensing authority to determine whether additional staff (servers, bartenders, managers) must also be certified and whether a certified person must be present during all service hours.
2. Designate the required certified person(s):
   Each license holder must either complete training personally or designate one or more supervisory employees to complete an approved Alcohol Awareness Program.
3. Complete an approved Alcohol Awareness Program:
   Enroll with a state-approved provider and successfully complete the course and exam to earn a Maryland Alcohol Awareness Certificate.
4. Maintain on-site coverage and documentation:
   Keep copies of certificates on file and ensure a certified individual is present on the premises during alcohol sales/service hours as required by state and local rules.
5. Renew every 4 years:
   Alcohol awareness certification must be renewed every four years. Failure to comply can result in fines and, for repeat violations, possible suspension or revocation of the license.

Program Benefits:

1. Mandatory Compliance for Licensees
Alcohol awareness certification is required for retail license holders or their designated employees and is often tied to license approval and renewal.

2. Reduced Liability & Risk Exposure
Training covers Maryland alcohol laws, ID verification, intoxication recognition, and refusal skills, helping to prevent unlawful sales and reduce civil and regulatory risk.

3. Supports County-Level Requirements
Many counties require a certified person on-site during alcohol service or impose broader training rules. Alcohol Awareness certification helps satisfy these local requirements.

4. Standardized Training Across Staff
Approved programs provide consistent instruction on responsible service, fake ID detection, intervention techniques, and documentation practices.

5. 4-Year Certification with Clear Renewal Cycle
Certification is typically valid for four years, giving businesses a predictable schedule for tracking and renewing compliance.