Most ask "How do I get licensed to work as a bartender?" This is another common misconception. There is no bartender license. What you actually need is a state-issued “Liquor Pouring Certification.” Some call it the ABC (Alcohol Beverage Control) license. Other states have other names for this. But, again, do not confuse this with the actual bartending license (since there is no such thing). But it's actually a certification that allows you and the establishment you work for to sell and serve alcohol to patrons. Many states require such certification before anyone can sell or serve alcohol. Different states have different rules and regulations on who can sell and serve alcohol, and the laws also vary by each municipality. Details like the age of the servers are one of the common arguments (some states allow 18-year-old bartenders to serve alcohol; others limit it to 21). However, in some states, it is up to business owners to decide whether to require an employee to have an ABC certification when working for the establishment. This certification allows for some freedom from liability. These may also be requested for insurance purposes. To obtain certification you must finish the course and pass the exam