If you work in a bar in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, or Lafayette, you know the drill. The music is loud, the drinks are flowing, and the crowd is happy.

Then, two people walk up to the bar. They look young, but not too young. They order a beer. You are busy, so you glance at them, maybe check an ID quickly, and serve them.

Boom. You just failed a compliance check.

The Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) is aggressive about “sting operations” to ensure servers are following the law. If you fail, you face fines, suspension, and the loss of your Louisiana Bar Card.

Today, we are talking about how to spot a problem before it happens, and the fastest way to get your Responsible Vendor Permit online.

The Two Ways You Lose Your Card

In Louisiana, losing your Bar Card usually happens for one of two reasons. The ATC is constantly watching for both:

1. Serving Minors (The “Under 21” Sting) This is the most common trap. The ATC sends in a minor (usually 18 or 19) to attempt to buy alcohol.

• The Trick: They are often told not to lie. If you ask their age, they might say “19.” If you don’t ask, or if you don’t calculate the date on the ID correctly, you are liable.

• The Fix: ALWAYS check the ID. If they look under 35, card them. And don’t just look at the picture—read the “Under 21 Until” date.

2. Serving Intoxicated Guests (The Judgment Call) This is harder to spot but just as illegal. In Louisiana, it is against the law to serve someone who is visibly intoxicated.

• The Signs: Slurred speech, fumbling for money, aggressive behavior, or “nodding off” at the bar.

• The Fix: You must cut them off. It’s awkward, but it’s better than losing your license. Your Responsible Vendor training gives you the exact scripts to use to de-escalate these situations safely.

Why You Need the Official “Bar Card”

The “Bar Card” is actually the Responsible Vendor (RV) Server Permit.

• It is Mandatory: If you pour, serve, or sell alcohol in Louisiana, you legally must have this permit within 45 days of hire.

• It lasts 4 Years: Unlike some states that make you renew every year, your Louisiana permit is good for 4 full years. That is a great investment in your career.

The ACE Advantage: Fast, Legal, & Online

You don’t need to drive to a classroom in Metairie or Shreveport to get certified. ACE Food Handler brings the class to your phone.

• ATC Approved: We are fully approved by the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control. This is the official course.

• Video-Based Training: Learn the laws, the fines, and the safety tips through engaging videos, not boring textbooks.

• Print Instantly: Pass the final exam and print your temporary certificate immediately so you can work tonight. Your official hard card will be available on the ATC website shortly after.

• Best Price: We offer the 4-year certification for one of the lowest prices in the state.

Get Your 4-Year Permit Today

Don’t fear the sting. Get trained, get confident, and keep your tips safe.

Use our exclusive blog code to save on your Louisiana Responsible Vendor training.

COUPON CODE: ACE20 Save 20% on your Louisiana Bar Card (Responsible Vendor Permit).

> Click Here to Get Your Louisiana Bar Card

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the ACE Food Handler course approved by the Louisiana ATC? Yes. ACE Food Handler is an approved provider for the Louisiana Responsible Vendor (RV) Server Permit. Our training meets all state requirements for alcohol servers.

How long does it take to get a Louisiana Bar Card? The online course typically takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete. Once you pass the final exam, you can download your temporary certificate immediately.

When does my Louisiana Bar Card expire? The Louisiana Responsible Vendor Server Permit is valid for 4 years from the date of issuance.

Do I need a Bar Card if I only work as a bouncer? Yes. In Louisiana, security personnel (bouncers) who check IDs or monitor the door at an establishment selling alcohol are generally required to hold a Responsible Vendor Permit, just like bartenders and servers.

What is the “45-Day Rule” in Louisiana? New hires in the alcohol service industry have 45 days from their date of hire to obtain their Responsible Vendor Permit. Working without one after this period is a violation of state law.

Call to Action👉 Ready to meet Louisiana’s requirements? Sign up for ACE Food Handler’s Responsible Vendor Bar Card 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