Who is responsible for the service of liquor in licensed premises?

The responsibility for the service of liquor in licensed premises primarily lies with the employees of the licensee. These individuals are typically trained and authorized to serve alcohol, ensuring that they comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and best practices. The licensee, who holds the legal license to operate the establishment, must ensure that their employees are properly educated about responsible serving practices, age verification, and overall customer service.

Employees are vital in establishing a safe and responsible drinking environment, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the licensed premises and preventing over-service or serving to underage patrons. In many regions, the law explicitly requires that liquor licenses are tied to the management and employees of the establishment rather than outside contractors or external service staff, emphasizing the importance of having well-trained employees managing liquor service directly.