1. What is the purpose of issuing Alcohol Beverage cards?
To insure compliance with City Ordinances and State Laws to maintain better accountability of persons selling, serving or dispensing alcoholic beverages.
2. Why must we pay a $10.00 fee?
The money goes towards the Background check and administrative fees for issuing the card.
3. Who is required to have a card issued?
Every person selling, serving, or dispensing any alcoholic beverage in every licensee’s premises. This is not only limited to Bars and Restaurants’ but Convenient and Grocery stores that sell alcoholic beverages. In Convenient and Grocery stores this only pertains to those persons working the registers or monitoring the self-checkout sections.
4. Am I required to have my card on me at all times?
Yes. The holder of an alcoholic beverage worker’s card shall keep the same on their person at all times while working in any licensed premises, and shall display the same upon the request of any law enforcement officer. Expired or suspended cards will be collected by a law enforcement officer.
5. Why must I have a Background check?
In accordance with City Ordinance 6-55 “it shall be unlawful to employ in any premises used for the sale of alcoholic beverages by the drink, here under any person, in any capacity whatsoever, including performers, entertainers, musicians, who have been convicted in this or any other state or by the United States or any other country of soliciting for prostitution, pandering, letting premises for prostitution, keeping a disorderly place, illegally dealing in narcotics, sex offenses, or any charge relating to the manufacture or sale of alcoholic beverages.”
No Alcohol Beverage Worker’s Card shall be issued to any person who has been convicted of any felony offense under the laws of this State or the United States, or of any violation described in the above paragraph, or of any violation of this code.
Background checks will be conducted on all applicants, both for new cards and renewals.
Note: Persons who are currently employed prior to January 1, 2009 will be “grandfathered” in on a case-by-case basis.
6. What is the penalty for not having my card on my person when working?
You can be charged criminally in accordance with City Ordinance 6-70, and fines may be accessed. You may also have your card suspended or revoked through an administrative hearing, or both. Any persons who are being charged criminally or required to attend an administrative hearing for card suspension or revocation will be given at least a 3-day written notice. The notice will list the time, place, and purpose of the hearing along with a statement of allegation. Said holder shall be entitled to appear before the court both personally and by attorney and shall be entitled to cross-examine witnesses against him/her and shall be entitled to present witnesses in his/her behalf.
7. What do I do if my card is lost or damaged?
You must report any lost or damaged cards to the Richmond Hill Police Department (912-756-5645) and after a local records check; a new card will be issued with the same information including the same expiration date.
8. How do I renew my card?
No more than 30 days prior to your card expiring, you must come to the Richmond Hill Police Department, have another Background check completed and pay the $10.00 to have a new card issued.
9. If I leave my employer do they get to keep my card?
No. The card stays with the card holder and not the employer.
10. What must I have in order to be issued a card?
You must have a valid photo I.D., a completed application, and pay a $10.00 fee by cash, credit card, or money order.
11. Why do some cards have red borders around the photo’s and others do not?
The red border signifies persons under the age of 18.
12. Can a person under the age of 18 possess an Alcohol Beverage Worker’s Card?
Yes. In order to receive a card you must be at least 16 years of age and have a signed application from a parent or guardian.
Note: In accordance with Section 6-2 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Richmond Hill, Georgia, subsection [c], persons under the age of 18 are not allowed to dispense, sell, serve, or take orders for any alcoholic beverage except that person 16 years of age or older who are employed in business establishments which operate only under licenses issued for off premises consumption, except package shops may sell or handle alcohol beverages while on duty and during the course of their employment. (i.e. working in Convenience or Grocery stores).
13. Where can I find more information that references alcohol beverage ordinances from the City of Richmond Hill:
Information can be found at
www.rhpd.org, following the link called
ABC. You can also contact the Richmond Hill Police Department during normal business hours (7:30-4:30) at 912-756-2864.
14. When will applications be accepted:
Applications will be taken Monday through Wednesday ONLY between the hours of 8:00am and 4:00pm. Please have your I.D., $10.00 fee with you when you bring in your application. Your photograph will be taken at this time. After the Background History is completed and approved, you can retrieve your ID card on Fridays between 8:00am and 4:00pm ONLY.