DelawareDelaware law sets minimum ages for alcohol workers
Alcohol workers must be at least 18, and workers ages 18 to 20 may prepare drinks only with a supervisor working beside them.
What it does
People must be at least 18 to sell, serve, or prepare alcoholic drinks. Workers ages 18 to 20 may prepare drinks under close supervision, with added limits for students and certain venues.
People required to take server training must renew their certification every two years. Qualifying recent training can count until renewal is due.
Argument forAdults ages 18 to 20 may serve alcohol and may prepare drinks when a supervisor age 21 or older works behind the bar with them.
Argument againstWorkers who need server training could face more frequent renewal courses if certification lasts two years instead of four.
More detail
People must be at least 18 to sell, serve, or prepare alcoholic drinks. The provisions cover workers at licensed establishments, taverns, taprooms, catering businesses, and bowling alleys. Workers ages 18 to 20 may prepare drinks only when a supervisor age 21 or older works behind the bar with them. People under 19 may not prepare drinks while enrolled in a secondary school program. People under 21 may not enter or work in a tavern or taproom that offers sexually oriented entertainment.
People required to take server training must renew their certification every two years. This applies to people required to complete responsible alcoholic beverage server training under the chapter. The course must be approved by the Commissioner. People who completed qualifying training within the previous two years do not need additional training until renewal is due. A certification lasts two years, and renewal certification also lasts two years.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jun 10Signed by Governor Matt MeyerBecame Law
- May 12Passed By House. Votes: 32 YES 6 NO 1 NOT VOTING 2 ABSENTMajor
- Vote recorded Passage. Result: pass.Lower
- May 6Passed By Senate. Votes: 14 YES 5 NO 2 NOT VOTINGPassed Senate
- Vote recorded Passage. Result: pass.Upper
- May 6Amendment SA 1 to HB 195 - Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YESMajor
- Apr 22Reported Out of Committee (Banking, Business, Insurance & Technology) in Senate with 2 Favorable, 3 On Its MeritsMinor
- Apr 21Amendment SA 1 to HB 195 - Introduced and Placed With BillMinor
- Mar 12Assigned to Banking, Business, Insurance & Technology Committee in SenateMinor
- Vote recorded Passage. Result: pass.Lower
- Mar 12Passed By House. Votes: 31 YES 5 NO 5 ABSENTPassed House
- Jan 20Reported Out of Committee (Economic Development/Banking/Insurance & Commerce) in House with 6 Favorable, 2 On Its MeritsMinor
- 2025
- Jun 5Introduced and Assigned to Economic Development/Banking/Insurance & Commerce Committee in HouseIntroduced
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