If you work in restaurants, bars, grills, nightclubs, liquor stores, convenience stores, stadiums, racetracks, wineries, or theme parks in California, there’s an important date you need to check: your Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) certification expiration date.
It’s been three years since California’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) launched its RBS Training and Certification requirement on July 1, 2022 — and that means thousands of alcohol servers and managers across the state are now due for renewal.
🍷 What Is RBS and Why Does It Matter?
The RBS program is part of California Assembly Bill 1221, which requires all alcohol servers and managers of licensed establishments to:
✅ Complete an approved RBS training course
✅ Pass the ABC-administered RBS certification exam
This training helps ensure alcohol is served safely, legally, and responsibly to protect public health and reduce alcohol-related harm.
Anyone who sells or serves alcohol, checks IDs, or manages alcohol-serving staff at ABC-licensed premises is required to complete this certification.
⏳ 3 Years Later — Time for Renewal!
RBS certifications are valid for 3 years from the date you passed your exam. If you were among the early servers who certified in mid-to-late 2022, your certification is now expiring or already expired.
Don't wait until you're out of compliance! Selling or serving alcohol without a valid RBS certification could result in fines or disciplinary action — not just for you, but for your employer too.
🍻 Who Needs to Renew?
You need to renew your RBS certification if you:
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Serve alcohol in a restaurant, bar, or grill
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Sell alcohol in a liquor store or grocery store
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Work at stadiums, casinos, theme parks, or racetracks
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Are a manager or supervisor who oversees alcohol servers
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Work for catering companies, hotels, resorts, or private clubs where alcohol is served
Basically, if alcohol is part of your job — and you’re in California — RBS certification is required.
🔄 How to Renew Your RBS Certification
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Choose an ABC-approved training provider (like SSC® Seller Server Classes California)
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Complete the RBS training course
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Login to your RBS account at RBS Portal
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Take and pass the state exam again
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Receive your renewed certification — valid for another 3 years!
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t Let It Expire
Many employers and licensing inspectors are actively checking RBS status. Don’t risk getting pulled from a shift, written up, or worse — penalized for non-compliance. Renew early and stay certified.
✅ Ready to Renew?
SSC® Seller Server Classes California makes it simple to get trained, pass the exam, and stay compliant. Whether you’re working in a bustling bar on Sunset Boulevard, a winery in Napa, or a food stand at a race track — we’ve got you covered.
👉 Visit www.sellerserverclasses.com/california/ to get started.
Stay safe. Stay certified. Stay ahead.
RBS renewal isn’t just a rule — it’s your responsibility.
Let’s keep California alcohol service professional, legal, and responsible — together. 🥂
SSC® Seller Server Classes is an ABC-approved training provider for California’s RBS certification requirement.