TABC Server Permits (On-Premise): Nashville restaurant guide

Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission

What it is

Every employee who serves liquor, wine or high-gravity beer at an LBD-licensed business needs a TABC server permit, kept on them or on the premises.

When a restaurant needs it

Within 61 days of an employee's original hire date (a one-time grace period per person).

How to apply

Each employee completes a TABC-certified alcohol awareness course, then applies in RLPS within one year of finishing it.

Documents you’ll need

Certificate from a TABC-certified alcohol awareness program
Government ID

Fee

$20 (TABC fee schedule)

Processing time

Varies

Renewal

Permits issued after Jan 1, 2025 are valid 2 years

Who files

Each employee applies for their own permit in RLPS.

Good to know

Servers must be at least 18. The Beer Board does not issue server cards; questions go to TABC.

Official source

TABC — Server permits

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.