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South Dakota

Responsible Alcohol Management Regulations

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Written by Certivance
Updated this week

Disclaimer:

We're not lawyers—just friendly helpers! 🍻 This document isn’t intended to serve as legal advice. Alcohol laws are like recipes—every city, county, and state has its own unique regulations. For the most accurate guidance on local rules, reach out to your state liquor control board (they're the real experts here). While Certivance provides resources and keeps an eye on state-level regulations, always double-check with your local authorities—because even the best need a second opinion! 😉

Regulatory Contacts:

South Dakota Department of Revenue & Regulation

Special Taxes Division

445 East Capitol Avenue

Pierre, SD 57501

Service Facts:

Legal Drinking Age

21

Age to Consume

21

Service to Minors

A person under the age of 18 may consume alcohol outside of a retail establishment only if they are in the presence of a parent, guardian, or spouse who is at least 21 years of age. Additionally, individuals between the ages of 18 and 20 may consume alcohol in a retail establishment if they are with a parent, guardian, or spouse who is also at least 21 years old.

Employment of Minors

Yes

Age to Serve

The minimum age to serve alcohol in South Dakota is 21. However, individuals aged 18 or older may serve alcohol if the establishment derives at least 50% of its total sales from food, holds an on-sale license, and has an employee or retailer aged 21 or older present on the premises. For establishments with an on-premises wine license, servers must be at least 21 years old to serve alcohol.

Age to Sell

The minimum age to sell alcohol in South Dakota is 21. However, there is no age restriction for selling alcohol if the establishment holds only a package off-sale beer license and at least 50% of its total sales come from products other than beer.

Age to Pour

21

Age to Sell Packaged Alcohol

The minimum age to sell packaged liquors in South Dakota is 21. However, there is no age restriction for selling alcohol if the establishment holds only a package off-sale beer license and at least 50% of its total sales come from products other than beer.

State Training Program:

In South Dakota, the Responsible Vendor Program offers significant benefits to alcohol-serving establishments. By ensuring that employees who sell or serve alcohol to minors have completed an approved alcohol training program, licensees can receive reduced fines for first and second violations. This proactive approach not only demonstrates a commitment to responsible alcohol service but also serves as a mitigating factor in the event of a violation.

State Program Facts:

Program Type

Voluntary

Training Requirements

Recommended for Sellers, Servers & Managers

Certification Expiration

4 Years

Other Links:

Ready to elevate your skills? Enroll in our state-approved Certified Alcohol Training course today and start your journey toward mastering responsible alcohol service and ensuring compliance! 🍻🎓

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