Online Alcohol Safety Programs
Whether you’re new to beverage service or a seasoned veteran, you must get BASSET certified to provide alcoholic drinks to customers in Illinois. This certification ensures workers understand local liquor laws, comply with state alcohol safety standards and know how to serve refreshments ethically.
Getting approved to sell or serve beer, wine or liquor in the Prairie State can be confusing, but we’re here to help you. Read on to learn how to obtain BASSET certification in Illinois and details about the certification process.
What Is BASSET?
Beverage Alcohol Sellers and Servers Education and Training (BASSET) is a safety certification program mandated by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC). The course covers various topics and techniques for responsible liquor sales and service. The program helps maintain compliance with locally based beverage regulations.
Participants will learn about:
- National liquor laws and rules specific to Illinois workers
- Seller-server responsibilities and penalties for violations
- The effects of alcohol on the body
- How to properly check IDs and avoid sales to minors
- Skills for recognizing signs of intoxication to prevent overconsumption
- Ways to handle difficult situations and safely refuse service
- Dram shop laws and liabilities
Requirements for Alcohol Sellers and Servers in Illinois
The state requires employees who sell or serve beer, wine or spirits for on-site consumption to enroll in an approved BASSET course and pass a final exam within 120 days of hire. This includes bartenders, restaurant staff and employees who check IDs.
Liquor store employees, convenience store clerks and others who sell alcohol for off-site consumption are not required to complete the training, but it is highly recommended.
Having this qualification provides several benefits. First, it contributes to your professional development in the food and beverage industry. Second, it demonstrates your competency in responsible drink service, increasing your chances for additional responsibilities or promotions.
Who Needs On-Premises Accreditation?
Training for on-premises sales is mandatory for professionals who sell alcoholic beverages that are consumed at the location where they are sold. Examples of sellers and servers who may need this certification include:
- Bartenders
- Barbacks
- Restaurant employees
- Bar and restaurant managers
- Security personnel responsible for ID verification
Who Needs Off-Premises Certification?
Voluntary education on off-premises sales is geared toward those who sell sealed alcohol that must be enjoyed outside of the establishment's perimeter where they are sold. Examples of employees who may find benefit from off-premises training include:
- Convenience store clerks
- Grocery store cashiers
- Gas station attendants
- Liquor retailer managers and business owners
- Alcohol delivery drivers
Our online BASSET Alcohol Certification program is approved by the ILCC and satisfies state requirements for on- and off-premises education. Once you complete the training and pass the final exam, you’ll become certified to sell drinks at any legal alcohol establishment in Illinois.
How to Obtain an Official BASSET Card
Getting certified is easy. Follow these steps to obtain your IL alcohol permit:
- Sign up for our online training program
- Take the course at your own pace from any internet-ready device
- Pass the final examination with a score of 70% or higher (you’ll have unlimited retake attempts)
After finishing the course and passing the assessment, you can instantly download and print a 30-day temporary certificate. Show this to your employer as proof of successful course completion. Your official BASSET card will be available to download and print from the MyTax Illinois website before the temporary one expires.
Illinois Liquor Control Commission-Approved Online Training by the American Safety Council, Inc.