ALCOHOL SERVER EDUCATION

Recent News

Craft Serving is committed to providing alcohol servers with the most up-to-date information and resources available to help them in their serving careers. The news articles below are designed to help you not only be a more responsible server, but also a more informed employee. Have a read and let us know if there is a topic that you would like to see us cover in one of our future news articles.

Southern California bartender events bring together diverse industry professionals celebrating at Lou Lou's Jungle Room during 2024 Bartenders Weekend

Southern California Bartender Events: 2025 Industry Calendar

Discover Southern California bartender events that connect our innovative, sustainability-focused mixology community. From San Diego to Los Angeles, these gatherings are where relationships form and trends emerge. Your insider roadmap to SoCal’s most influential industry events, month by month.

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Interior corridor of Headlands Coastal Lodge in Pacific City, Oregon, with view of Haystack Rock - venues requiring Oregon Alcohol Service Permits

Oregon Alcohol Service Permit Changes: New Requirements Under House Bill 4138

Oregon’s Alcohol Service Permit system undergoes significant changes on March 31, 2025, following the passage of House Bill 4138. The most important change? You must now complete your alcohol server training and pass the exam before you can legally serve alcohol in Oregon.

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Striking bartender at Part Time Lover in San Diego skillfully pouring cocktails from a mixer into a row of coupe glasses during 2024 Bartender's Weekend. The trendy venue features vinyl records and craft cocktails in a laid-back atmosphere where RBS certification is required for alcohol service.

Renew Your RBS Certification With Craft Serving

Are you approaching the end of your 3-year RBS certification period? This guide covers everything you need to know about renewing your California RBS certification, from the 90-day renewal window to the step-by-step process. Learn when to expect reminder emails, why timely renewal is critical, and how to complete the process in just one day. Don’t risk your ability to legally serve alcohol—discover how to renew your RBS certification quickly and efficiently.

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Tom Lindstedt, General Manager at La Moule in Portland, Oregon, preparing a cocktail behind the bar, pouring ice into a mixing glass.

New Requirements for Oregon On-Premises Liquor Licensees Under House Bill 4138

Starting March 31, 2025, House Bill 4138 requires Oregon on-premises liquor licensees to either personally hold a Service Permit or designate a permit holder with authority over alcohol service. This applies to all license types allowing on-premises consumption. Non-compliance could result in license cancellation, suspension, or restriction.

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San Francisco street at dusk with pedestrians crossing after a streetcar passes, framed by skyscrapers with the iconic Golden Gate Bridge visible in the distance, capturing California's urban hospitality scene.

Finding the Best RBS Class for You

Looking for an RBS class in California that doesn’t waste your time? With over 50 approved providers to choose from, the options can be overwhelming. Discover the three types of RBS training providers and why courses created by actual bartenders offer the practical knowledge you need to both pass your exam and excel in real service situations.

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Young alcohol server demonstrating responsible service practices at wine bar counter

MAST Permit Updates for Minors and Felony Convictions

MAST Permit Update for Minors With a Class 13 MAST PermitThe Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) recently updated WAC 314-17-015 making an allowance for minors holding a Class 13 MAST Permit.Prior to the updated rule, Class 13 permit holders were only allowed to open or pour beer or wine into a customer’s glass,…

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Professional female alcohol server in apron standing at sunlit bar, holding tablet and looking thoughtfully into distance

How to Get RBS Certified in California

Need RBS Certification in California? Get your Server ID Number, complete an RBS training course, and pass the ABC’s exam with our step-by-step guide and insider tips.

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Woman receiving food and alcohol delivery at apartment doorway, processing payment with courier

New Alcohol Delivery Rules in Washington

Washington’s alcohol delivery laws have changed. Discover what’s allowed for takeout vs. delivery, and why fewer businesses may now offer alcohol delivery.

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Bartender Chris Elford pouring rum during a specialty pop-up cocktail event

Tips to Help Bartenders Execute Successful Pop-Ups

Master the art of bar pop-ups with expert advice from Chris Elford. Four essential steps to plan, promote, and execute a successful event that builds your brand.

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Bartenders gathered at communal table during Camp Runamok industry event, sharing camaraderie and laughter

The Top 5 National Events for Bartenders

Looking to level up your bartending career? From bourbon camps to speed competitions, here are the top 5 national events every bartender should know about.

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Bartender standing confidently behind bar after renewing MAST permit

Renew Your MAST Permit With Craft Serving

Has it been five years? Renew your Washington MAST Permit without the stress. Get clear guidance on timing, requirements, and why there’s no grace period.

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Restaurant workers collaborating and reviewing resources at café table

Free Resources for Restaurant Workers

Restaurant workers: You’re not alone. Explore our comprehensive guide to free mental health, legal, and financial resources designed specifically for the service industry.

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Seattle waterfront scene with iconic street view, pier, and Puget Sound landscape

Finding the Best MAST Class for You

Navigate Washington’s MAST class options with confidence. From teaching styles to red flags, discover how to choose a course that fits your learning style.

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Alcohol server troubleshooting technical computer error on laptop

Help for Technical Issues

Navigate common technical issues with our step-by-step troubleshooting guide. Simple solutions for browser, login, and course access problems, day or night.

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United States map showing states with mandatory alcohol server training requirements

Which States Require Mandatory Alcohol Server Training?

Get the complete state-by-state breakdown of alcohol server training requirements. From Alaska to Wyoming, we map out where training is mandatory, voluntary, or locally required.

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California coastal landscape highlighting professional training region

Press Release: New RBS Training Provider in California!

California welcomes its newest RBS training provider! Craft Serving brings bartender-developed, engaging alcohol server education to the West Coast’s largest market.

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Johnnie Walker brand ambassador leading whisky tasting during Seattle Cocktail Week

Navigating the Best of Seattle Cocktail Week

Explore Seattle Cocktail Week’s finest moments: bar takeovers in Belltown, the Bartender’s Circle Summit, distillery tours, and a grand Carnival of Cocktails. Plus, who knew donuts pair with mezcal?

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Waiter serving champagne at outdoor wedding event with professional alcohol service

Do I Need a MAST Permit to Work an Event?

Planning to serve alcohol at a Washington event? Find out if you need a MAST Permit based on the venue’s liquor license. Simple guidance for every situation.

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Professional alcohol server reviewing MAST permit requirements at a Washington restaurant

How to Get a MAST Permit in Washington

Learn how to get your Washington MAST Permit in three simple steps: take a course, pass the exam, and receive your permit. Includes insider tips!

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Restaurant staff providing takeout service during challenging times

How to Support Your Local Food and Beverage Peeps This Winter

They’re the heart and soul of our community. Learn five practical ways to help your local restaurants and bars survive this challenging winter.

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Washington state landscape featuring Mount Shuksan and Picture Lake

Press Release: New MAST Permit Course Provider in Washington!

The new kids on the block! Craft Serving brings its modern, bartender-developed MAST Permit training to Washington State. Now serving the PNW!

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Professional alcohol server reviewing OLCC permit requirements at bar

How to Get an Oregon Alcohol Service Permit

[UPDATED MARCH 2025!] Navigate Oregon’s new alcohol service requirements with our updated 4-step guide to getting your Oregon Alcohol Service Permit. Learn about the CAMP system, HB 4138 changes, and how to maintain access to existing permits.

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Restaurant server providing socially distanced service during pandemic

Getting an OLCC Permit Amidst a Global Pandemic

Supporting Oregon’s service industry through COVID-19 with remote OLCC Permit training and pandemic discounts. We’re all in this together!

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Oregon bar scene highlighting professional alcohol service environment

Press Release: New OLCC Permit Course Provider in Oregon!

Craft Serving brings you Oregon’s most user-friendly OLCC Permit course, created by local industry pros for a training experience that ‘doesn’t suck!’

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