What is the TABC Safe Harbor Act?
Safe Harbor protects you and your business from liabilities that your employees might incur while working for you and your business. Let’s say that one of your employees gets caught selling or serving alcohol to a minor. You are not liable for their actions because that employee has their TABC certification, meaning they are aware and informed that their actions are wrong. You and your business are protected from suspension, fines, and/or cancellations.
Requirements to qualify for Safe Harbor:
- You require your employees to attend a commission-approved online seller training program, such as 2Cool Serving Training
- Your employee has taken a training program in-person in a classroom setting
- You have not directly or indirectly encouraged your employee to violate such law
If your business meets those requirements, then you and your business will be protected from suspension, fines, or cancellations if your employee happens to sell or serve alcoholic beverages to…
- A minor
- An intoxicated person
- A non-member of a private club
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What if I don’t require my employees to take the TABC course?
The repercussions can be astronomical. You should not be liable for your employees’ actions because you cannot control their behavior at all times. But that is the number one reason to require TABC certification for all of your employees: you cannot control the actions of everyone. If one of your employees violates the law, then your business can lose its liquor license and you will be fined and/or suspended.