Talbot County, Maryland

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need Alcohol Awareness Training?

  Anyone involved in the sale of alcohol is required to take alcohol awareness training. Depending on the business, you may be required to take On-Sale License or Off-Sale License training.

• Can I take training online?

  The Alcohol, Tobacco and Cannabis Commission "ATCC" has not approved an electronic training, participants may take an approved course online but the test must be proctored (in person)

• How much does training cost?

  On-Sale Licenses training is $30 per person. Volunteer Fire Companies and Officers at Veterans Organizations pay a discounted rate of $16. 

  Off-Sale Licenses training is $30 per person.

• How do I register for training?

  All participants must pre-register for training. To register, send an email to the Talbot County Alcoholic Beverage Inspector, Nickole Whitmer, at NWhitmer@talbotcountymd.gov with the following information:

  • Date of class requested
  • Legal Name
  • Email
  • Phone Number
  • Your Employer or business

  You will be sent a confirmation email verifying the class time, location, and payment requirements.

• What type of training do I need?

  For on premise consumption such as restaurants, bars, clubs or hotels (Classes B, B-F, B-T, C, D, DBR, F-A, G, GC, H, I, J, and K), employees will need On-Sale Licenses training. This training is approximately 4 hours.

  For off-premises consumption and sale such as liquor stores, or distilleries (Classes A, B-R, D, and E), employees will need Off-Sale Licenses training. This training is approximately 3 hours.

  If you have a question about what type of training you need, reach out to your employer or contact the Talbot County Alcoholic Beverages Inspector, Nickole Whitmer, at NWhitmer@talbotcountymd.gov or call 410-770-8035

• I can't make any of the training dates. Are there other ways to get trained?

  Often businesses will host alcohol awareness trainings for their employees, sometimes these classes are open to the public.

  Maryland Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission (ATCC) has a database that allows you to search and find approved programs that are certified in the alcohol awareness training, visit their website to find out more.

  For another resource commonly used visit www.servecertified.com. In addition, Chesapeake College occasionally offers training, see their culinary and hotel related courses here.

  Important to note, Maryland does not allow online (eTIPS) training certification. Classroom training is required.

• What do I do once I have recieved training?

  Once you have received training and passed the exam, your certification will be emailed or mailed to you. Carry a copy of your certificate at all times while working. 

• Are there other trainings or resources available?

  Maryland Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission (ATCC) often host helpful webinars and classes to business. You can stay up to date with what they offer by subscribing to their emails here 

  Maryland Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission
  1215 E Fort Ave, #300 Baltimore, MD 21230
  443-300-6990 /atcc.info@maryland.gov / atcc.maryland.gov 

  Upcoming Webinars/Classes  

  
  Monday, July 14, 2025 @ 1:00 pm

  Empowering Entrepreneurs by Maryland Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission | Retail Ready: Navigating Opportunities in the Retail Tier

  This session will focus on the Retail Tier, where alcohol businesses connect directly with consumers through liquor stores, bars, restaurants, tasting rooms, and other on-site sales.

  Whether you're just starting out or a current retailer looking to grow, this session is packed with valuable insights to help you succeed in Maryland’s retail alcohol market.