The TIPS Off-Premise program is built for the retail side of alcohol: liquor stores, convenience stores, grocery, and package stores. It is a different job from serving a drink at a bar, and the training reflects that. A clerk often has thirty seconds with a customer, one look at an ID, and one chance to make the right call. TIPS builds its intervention techniques around exactly that constraint.
What you'll learn
How to prevent illegal sales to underage and intoxicated customers
ID checking procedures, spotting altered or borrowed identification, and handling customer objections
Intervention techniques scaled to the short interaction a retail clerk actually gets
How to recognize signs of intoxication and refuse a sale without escalating the situation
Why responsible selling protects you, your employer, and your community
About TIPS
TIPS, short for Training for Intervention ProcedureS, has issued more than five and a half million certifications over roughly forty years and is among the most widely recognized alcohol training programs in the country. It is accepted by major insurance companies and national restaurant chains. Liquor boards and local authorities tend to view TIPS-trained stores favorably, which can matter in the event of a violation, and carrying trained staff can reduce liquor liability insurance premiums.
How the course works
Online, self-paced, and mobile friendly, using video-based scenarios rather than slide decks
Typically completed in two to three hours, with the ability to log out and resume where you left off
A printable certificate is available immediately on passing the final exam
TIPS certification is commonly valid for three years, though some states recognize two or four, and employers may set shorter renewal cycles
Common questions
Is this the right course for my store?
If your customers buy sealed product to consume somewhere else, yes. If alcohol is consumed on your premises, take the TIPS On-Premise course instead.
Does this satisfy my state's requirement?
It depends on your state. Some states mandate a specific approved program. Check your state's rules before enrolling, and see our state-specific compliance courses if a particular certification is required where you operate.
How long does certification last?
Commonly three years, though the period ranges from two to four depending on the state, and your employer or insurer may require earlier renewal.
If your state requires a specific program
This is a best-practices course rather than a state certification. Where a state approves its own program, take that instead: California RBS, Texas TABC, New York ATAP Off-Premise, or Illinois BASSET. Serving by the drink? Take TIPS On-Premise. Browse the full compliance catalog.