Alcohol Awareness Course

In Nevada, individuals who serve, sell, or provide security at licensed liquor establishments are generally required to obtain a Nevada Alcohol Education Card, also known as a “AES Blue Alcohol Card,” (BAC) within 30 days of hiring, although this requirement primarily applies to counties with a population of 100,000 or more, such as Clark County (Las Vegas) and Washoe County (Reno). Training is mandatory in these counties, while in other counties, it may be optional but a proctor is still required for the hard plastic card.CLICK ON THE FIRST LESSON TO BEGIN THE COURSE

Alcohol consumption significantly impacts both the body and brain, with effects ranging from short-term impairments to long-term health problems. It acts as a depressant, slowing down brain activity and affecting judgment, coordination, and mood. Long-term heavy drinking can lead to brain damage, including issues with memory, learning, and balance, as well as an increased risk of mental health problems. 

Mixing alcohol and drugs can cause a dangerous interaction called a synergistic effect. This means that the combined effect of the alcohol and the drug is greater than the sum of their individual effects. In other words, one plus one can equal more than two, resulting in amplified and potentially unpredictable outcomes. 

Alcohol-related birth defects (ARBDs) are physical abnormalities that develop in a fetus due to prenatal alcohol exposure. These defects can affect various parts of the body, particularly the bones, heart, kidneys, eyes, and ears. ARBDs are part of a broader category of conditions known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). 

Alcohol server interventions are strategies and practices implemented by establishments and their staff to prevent over-serving alcohol, reduce drinking and driving, and ensure responsible alcohol service and patron safety. These interventions involve training servers to recognize signs of intoxication, manage patron consumption, and respond appropriately to challenging situations, often with the goal of minimizing alcohol-related harms. 

The Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) related to alcohol cover a wide range of topics, including the legal drinking age, regulations for businesses selling alcohol, and penalties for violations. Key chapters dealing with alcohol are Chapter 202 (Crimes Against Public Health and Safety), Chapter 369 (Intoxicating Liquor: Licenses and Taxes), and Chapter 458 (Alcohol and Other Substance Use Disorders). 

In Nevada, pedestrians can generally walk with open containers of alcohol, but with restrictions on container type and location, with the Las Vegas Strip and Downtown Las Vegas having specific rules. You cannot use glass containers, but plastic, paper, or aluminum cups/containers are generally permitted, with some exceptions like aluminum during special events or on the Fremont Street Experience. 

In Nevada, it is generally illegal to have an open container of alcohol in the passenger area of a moving vehicle, with exceptions for specific types of vehicles like limousines, party buses, and RVs, and if the open container is in the trunk or outside the passenger compartment. An “open container” is defined as any container with a broken seal, including a previously opened bottle or a cup with alcohol in it. Violations are typically considered a misdemeanor and can result in fines of up to $1,000 and/or up to six months in jail, though jail time is rarely imposed for this offense. 

In Nevada, the primary law regarding minors and alcohol employment is that individuals aged 16 and older can work in grocery and convenience stores selling alcohol, as long as they are handling sealed containers and are supervised by an adult. However, bartenders and servers handling open containers of alcohol must be at least 21 years old. Minors are also generally restricted from working in casinos where gaming or the primary sale of alcoholic beverages occurs, and they cannot be employed in public dance halls where alcohol is dispensed. 

Violations of Nevada’s alcohol awareness training requirements can result in fines ranging from $500 to $5,000 for establishments, and for individuals, penalties can include fines up to $1,000, jail time, community service, or loss of employment, especially for serving minors or working without proper certification. In Clark County (where Las Vegas is located), Washoe County, and Carson City, all employees who serve, sell, or distribute alcoholic beverages, and security personnel in licensed liquor establishments, are required to obtain certification through a state-approved alcohol awareness program, like the AES Blue Alcohol Card (BAC). 

Test your knowledge of the course material you have read. Prepare yourself for the in-person test in our office to obtain your Alcohol Awareness Certification.