Official Louisiana Bar Card Responsible Vendor Permit on smartphone – ATC Approved Provider $9

Louisiana Responsible Vendor permit – As the 2026 Mardi Gras season kicks into high gear, the crowds aren’t the only ones descending on New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette. The Louisiana Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) and local health departments are ramping up enforcement efforts to ensure every establishment is operating legally.

For restaurant and bar owners, this is arguably the most profitable time of the year—but it is also the riskiest.

The “Temporary Staff” Trap During Mardi Gras, many venues hire temporary bartenders, barbacks, and servers to handle the crush of tourists. When you are trying to manage parade schedules, inventory orders, and road closures, it is easy to let paperwork slide. However, Louisiana law is unforgiving: All employees selling or serving alcohol must hold a valid Responsible Vendor Permit (often called a “Bar Card”). Louisiana Responsible Vendor permit

There is no “grace period” for Mardi Gras. If a temporary staff member serves a drink without a permit, your establishment is liable. Louisiana Responsible Vendor permit

What Happens if You Are Non-Compliant? If an ATC agent visits your bar during a spot check and finds an uncertified bartender pouring drinks, the consequences are immediate:

1. The Fine: Citations can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on your history of violations.

2. The Risk: Repeated violations can put your actual liquor license in jeopardy.

3. The Disruption: You may be forced to send that staff member home immediately. Imagine losing your lead bartender an hour before Endymion rolls because they didn’t have a digital certificate on their phone.

The Kitchen Needs Certification, Too While the bar is the primary target for ATC, health inspectors are checking the back of the house. Your kitchen staff must hold a valid Louisiana Food Handler certificate. With the high volume of food being served on the parade routes (and the warm weather predicted for February 2026), food safety is a top priority for the state this year to prevent outbreaks.

Why the “RV” Permit is a 4-Year Investment Unlike the standard Food Handler card which typically lasts two years, the Louisiana Responsible Vendor (RV) permit is valid for four years. This makes it one of the best investments your staff can make. Getting certified for Mardi Gras 2026 covers them all the way through Mardi Gras 2030.

Get Certified Before Endymion Rolls Don’t wait until the big weekends like Endymion or Bacchus to check your roster. You can certify your entire team online today. The ACE Food Handler Louisiana Responsible Vendor course is state-approved, 100% online, and can be completed on a smartphone or tablet in between shifts.

• Bar Staff: Get your RV Permit (Valid for 4 years).

• Louisiana Responsible Vendor permit

Frequently Asked Questions (Mardi Gras Compliance)

Does my Louisiana Bar Card expire? Yes. The Louisiana Responsible Vendor (RV) permit is valid for 4 years from the date of issue. You must retake the course to renew it; there is no automatic renewal.

Can I work during Mardi Gras without a permit? No. Louisiana law requires anyone selling or serving alcohol to hold a valid Responsible Vendor permit. Establishments found with uncertified staff during ATC checks can be fined or have their liquor license suspended.

How long does the online course take? The ACE Food Handler Louisiana Responsible Vendor course is self-paced but typically takes about 2-3 hours to complete online. You can pause and resume as needed.

Call to Action👉 Ready to meet Louisiana’s requirements? Sign up for ACE Food Handler’s Louisiana Responsible Vendor permit course today and get certified fast.

Louisiana Responsible Vendor (Bar Card) Certification – 100% Online

Get certified to serve alcohol responsibly in Louisiana with our state-approved Responsible Vendor (RV) training course. This fully online program is designed for anyone who sells or serves alcoholic beverages or tobacco products in Louisiana and is required by law to obtain a Bar Card within 45 days of hire.

What You’ll Learn:

• Louisiana alcohol and tobacco laws
• How to recognize signs of intoxication
• Techniques for responsible alcohol service
• Legal responsibilities and penalties

Why Choose ACE Food Handler:

• ATC-approved and fully compliant with Louisiana state requirements
• Self-paced learning—complete the course anytime, anywhere
• Instant certificate upon passing the final exam
• We report your completion directly to the Louisiana ATC

Whether you’re working in a bar, restaurant, grocery store, or event venue, this course ensures you’re trained, certified, and ready to serve responsibly.

Enroll today and get your official Louisiana Bar Card the easy way.

Want me to tailor this for a specific audience—like bar owners, new hires, or Spanish-speaking learners? I’ve got you covered.

 

Louisiana Responsible Vendor Bar Card

The Louisiana Responsible Vendor Bar Card, also known as the Responsible Vendor or RV card, is an integral part of your ability to create a safe environment for your patrons and adhere to Louisiana State laws. Our courses were designed to maintain compliance with the current laws and it’s imperative that any employees serving or selling alcohol in the state complete RV training. The Benefits of Completing Louisiana Responsible Vendor Bar Card Courses For businesses as well as bartenders and servers, completing the coursework offers multiple benefits that extend beyond compliance. Servers are given excellent information so that they can more accurately determine the proper course of action in every interaction. Businesses are also better protected legally in the even that there is an infraction. Information includes: Legal Liability. Our courses cover all of the specifics of the business and server’s legal responsibility in each scenario. We break this down in easy to understand language so that personnel can be assured that they have all of the information needed to run a successful and safe venture. Signs of Intoxication. There are specific signs of intoxication that servers should be aware of prior to working with the public in regards to alcohol sales. Information on Minors. Different tactics will be covered, including fake ids and issues where minors are having others purchase for them. It’s important that staff knows their responsibility in these situations. ID Protocol. We clearly show the best way to set protocols for checking ID to best stay in compliance with state regulations. Training Courses Available We offer a number of training courses to best meet your needs. Whether you’re looking for training to secure your Louisiana Responsible Vendor Bar Cards in compliance with the Louisiana RV Training, or individual classes for new employees to complete, our training is compliant with Louisiana State requirements. Lastly Contact us today for more information or to enroll for your training today.

We also have some free  helpful resources for you on the ACE Food Handler Resource Page.

Updated 11/22/2019