Tennessee Bars and Restaurants Required to Provide Enhanced Training on Sexual Assault Prevention
As of January 1, 2025, a new Tennessee law requires bars and restaurants to provide enhanced training for their staff on sexual assault prevention, date rape drug awareness, and human trafficking. The new law mandates that all alcohol servers licensed with the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission complete an updated alcohol awareness program within one year prior to their application or renewal. Establishments must ensure their staff comply with these training requirements to meet the standards set by the law. The program, certified by the Commission, includes a minimum of three and a half hours of training.
The required curriculum covers critical topics, including understanding the role of alcohol in sexual assault and harassment, best practices for ensuring patron safety and bystander intervention, recognizing the role of drugs in assaults, and strategies to prevent patron drugging. Additionally, servers must be trained to identify and report signs of human trafficking. For applicants who have completed equivalent training in other states, the Commission may accept those programs as meeting the requirement.
This law was introduced to address growing concerns about drink spiking in Downtown Nashville, particularly along Lower Broadway. The Sexual Assault Center reports that approximately 20% of individuals undergoing sexual assault exams in the past year claimed they had been drugged. Programs like the Safe Bar initiative, which trains bar staff to prevent sexual assault, have seen increased participation in recent years, further supporting the law’s goals.
An additional law also shortened the validity period for server permits. Permits issued on or after January 1, 2025, are now valid for two years, while those issued before this date will remain valid for five years from their issuance date. Employee permits continue to be valid for five years. These changes ensure that server training remains current, reinforcing Tennessee’s commitment to public safety and accountability in the hospitality industry.
By requiring restaurants and bars to implement this training, Tennessee emphasizes the importance of creating a safer nightlife environment and empowering alcohol servers to take an active role in protecting patrons.