Responsible Alcohol Server/Seller Training (RASP)
The Responsible Alcohol Seller/Server Program (RASP) domain tests whether you can apply North Carolina ABC law at the point of sale: verifying age, recognizing impairment, refusing service, and documenting decisions. Expect scenario questions that ask what you should do, not just what the law says.
Verify age before every sale
North Carolina sets 21 as the minimum age to purchase, possess, or consume alcohol. Acceptable ID must be government-issued, photo-bearing, unexpired, and apparently unaltered. Common accepted forms are a North Carolina driver license or state ID, an out-of-state driver license, a U.S. passport or passport card, and a military ID. Do not accept expired IDs, photocopies, or foreign IDs you cannot verify. If age is not proven, refuse the sale.
Refuse service to intoxicated patrons
North Carolina law prohibits selling or serving alcohol to a person who is visibly intoxicated. Signs include slurred speech, poor coordination, glassy eyes, slowed reactions, and aggressive or overly friendly behavior. Serving includes allowing a visibly intoxicated person to consume alcohol on the premises. A violation can expose the permit holder and server to ABC penalties and civil liability.
No third-party sales
Do not sell to a person you reasonably believe is buying for an underage or intoxicated person. Aiding an underage person in obtaining alcohol is prohibited under G.S. 18B-302. Watch groups: if one person orders a pitcher and passes cups to underage friends, you may still be responsible.
Worked example
A customer orders a beer. Her out-of-state license shows she is 21, but the license expired last month. She says her passport is in the car. Reasoning: an expired license is not valid ID, so age is not verified. You may refuse the sale and tell her she can return with a current passport or license. Do not serve “just this once.”
Traps that cost marks
Accepting an expired ID because the birth date looks fine; checking only the person paying while a friend receives the drink; treating “I’m not driving” as permission to over-serve; forgetting that an adult buying for a minor is a violation; arguing with the patron instead of refusing calmly and notifying the manager.