Utah Alcohol Server Training (SIPS / On-Premise Certification)

Utah requires all employees who sell, serve, or handle alcohol for on-premise consumption to complete a DABS-approved alcohol server training course. This includes bartenders, servers, managers, hosts involved in seating, barbacks, and anyone who interacts with alcoholic beverages.

Training must be completed before the employee begins work — Utah does not allow a grace period for on-premise server certification. Certificates issued by approved providers are valid for 3 years.

Utah’s program is often referred to as SIPS (Server Training Program), though multiple state-approved providers offer equivalent compliant courses.

Steps to Be Compliant in Utah:

1. Complete a DABS-approved alcohol server training course before starting work:
   Topics include Utah’s strict alcohol laws, prohibited sales, acceptable IDs, signs of intoxication, intervention and refusal skills, and legal responsibilities unique to Utah.
2. Obtain the official Utah server training certificate:
   After passing the course exam, the training provider reports completion to the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (DABS).
3. Keep proof of certification on file:
   Employers must maintain verification of each employee’s server training completion for inspections and compliance checks.
4. Renew certification every 3 years:
   Utah requires recertification every 3 years before the expiration date to continue working legally.

Program Benefits:

1. Mandatory Statewide Compliance
Utah requires training for all alcohol-service employees before they begin their first shift. No training = no legal alcohol-service duties.

2. Strong Legal Protection for Licensees
Properly trained employees help prevent violations, including service to minors or visibly intoxicated persons — critical in a state with strict enforcement.

3. Standardized Statewide Curriculum
All Utah-approved providers follow the same DABS curriculum, ensuring consistent and reliable instruction across restaurants, bars, clubs, and hotels.

4. Immediate Compliance (No Grace Period)
Utah’s requirement to train employees before they start helps establishments maintain safer operations and cleaner compliance records.

5. Predictable 3-Year Renewal Cycle
A clear three-year training window helps businesses track employee compliance and avoid lapses.