RESPONSIBLE BEVERAGE SERVICE · STATE · DELAWARE
Delaware law requires anyone who serves, sells, or handles alcohol — plus their managers and supervisors — to complete an approved Responsible Server Training Program (RSTP). The framework is jointly administered by the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement (DATE) and the Office of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner (OABCC), and is codified in Delaware Code Title 4, Chapter 12. This page covers the RSTP requirements, who must complete training, validity and renewal, the approved-provider ecosystem, and operational implications for Delaware operators.
Last reviewed: [LAST REVIEWED DATE]. This page reflects information available as of the date above. Current Delaware requirements, approved providers, and statutory provisions should be verified directly with DATE at date.delaware.gov before relying on this information for compliance. Operators should consult counsel for advice specific to their circumstances.
Delaware operates a two-agency framework that is somewhat distinctive among states. Licensing rules are set by the Office of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner (OABCC), and enforcement and the Responsible Server Training Program are administered by the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement (DATE). Operators interact with both agencies in different ways:
Establishment-level liquor licenses are issued and rules are set by the Office of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner.
The mandatory Responsible Server Training Program is administered by the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement. The compliance centerpiece for Delaware servers.
Delaware accepts multiple approved courses including DATE classes, TIPS, and the Delaware Restaurant Association program.
The Responsible Server Training Program is the mandatory statewide framework for alcohol servers, sellers, handlers, and supervisors. The curriculum requirements are set by Delaware Code Title 4 Chapter 12 §1204 and address core content areas:
Approved courses are available in person and online. Delaware accepts multiple approved providers — including DATE’s own classes, TIPS, and the Delaware Restaurant Association’s online course at Train321.com. The required topics are the same across providers; the differences are format, length, and cost. Operators should verify current provider approval status with DATE before requiring or recommending a specific course.
Delaware law requires RSTP training for anyone who serves, sells, or handles alcohol, plus managers and supervisors of those employees. The covered scope is broad and includes both on-premises and off-premises retail:
Note on Delaware’s two-tier age structure: Delaware law allows employees to begin serving alcohol at age 19, but only those age 21 or older may mix, open, or pour an alcoholic beverage. This affects how operators structure roles for employees in the 19-to-20 age window — they may take orders, deliver drinks to tables, and accept payment, but the actual mixing/pouring must be performed by a 21-and-over employee.
RSTP certification covers the individual server. It does not, on its own, function as the venue’s internal Responsible Beverage Service program. Delaware operators concerned with civil liability exposure or DATE administrative review typically maintain a venue-level written program in addition to individual RSTP certifications.
The RSTP certificate covers the individual server. It does not, on its own, serve as the venue’s internal Responsible Beverage Service program. Delaware operators concerned with civil dram shop exposure, DATE administrative review, or insurance underwriting typically maintain both:
The Ultimate Responsible Alcohol Service Manual provides the venue-level program document. For the standalone RBS program document, see the RBS Program Template.
Responsible Beverage Service Pillar →The full RBS framework
TIPS vs ServSafe vs State RBS →Comparison of training programs
Training and Liability Pillar →The broader liability framework
Refusing Service Protocols →Practical refusal scripts and procedures
Ryan Dahlstrom
Author & Expert Witness
20+ years of hospitality operations. Author of The Ultimate Responsible Alcohol Service Manual and active dram shop expert witness.
RegulatorDATE · OABCC (joint)
StatuteDE Code Title 4 · Ch. 12 §§1204–1205
State MandateMandatory · RSTP required
Validity4 years
Hire Deadline30 days from employment
Verify Atdate.delaware.gov →
A venue-level written RBS program to supplement individual RSTP certificates.
The Ultimate Responsible Alcohol Service Manual provides the venue-level written program Delaware operators need alongside individual RSTP certificates — with acknowledgement forms, refusal protocols, and incident reporting templates.
