98% of Compliance Violations Happen to Stores with No Training
Get Certified
Protect Your Off-Premises Alcohol License with Beverage Alcohol Training (BAT) by MASSPACK
One mistake can result in
suspension of a store’s alcohol license, expensive fines or possible jail time for the person who participated in an illegal sale
BAT helps you
become an effective gatekeeper that prevents illegal sales
BAT by MASSPACK certification
satisfies the training requirements of local licensing authorities throughout Massachusetts
BAT Training is Proven to Prevent Illegal Sales
Managing, owning or working at a retail store that sells alcoholic beverages means facing constant pressure and exposure to risk and liability. The ABCC conducts surprise compliance checks across the entire state all the time. Local authorities also run their own sting operations. Good intentions won’t protect the store or its employees against an illegal sale.
An alcohol retail license is the lifeline to the store. Without proper training, one mistake can be made that costs you everything. That is why new and veteran employees need BAT by MASSPACK certification.
BAT by MASSPACK
is the Industry Standard
Developed for all off-premises retailers of alcoholic beverages operating under the authority of M.G.L. Chapter 138, BAT by MASSPACK provides comprehensive alcohol beverage education and certification.
BAT was produced to comply with state alcohol laws with collaboration and guidance from regulators, law enforcement and local licensing and health authorities.
Every module within BAT addresses compliance challenges Massachusetts retailers face, ensuring that off-premises alcohol servers have the legal knowledge and practical tools to make informed decisions when selling to customers.
Peek Behind the Counter of Massachusetts' Premier Alcohol Certification Program
Retailer Responsibility
Discover your critical role as a gatekeeper in preventing illegal sales. Learn practical techniques on how to prevent illegal sales while also understanding potential liability issues. Transform from passive seller to active gatekeeper against illegal sales of alcohol beverages.
Massachusetts RMV Issued IDs
Master the specific ID requirements unique to Massachusetts. Understand why certain forms of identification won't protect you legally. Transform your ID verification process from a guessing game to a reliable defense system.
Detecting Fake IDs
Become an expert in identifying fraudulent IDs. Learn the origins of fake IDs and develop a strategic approach to screen for them. Transform from easily deceived to confidently detecting sophisticated fakes that can lead to an illegal sale.
Massachusetts Approved Alternative IDs
Explore the complete range of acceptable alternative identification beyond Massachusetts issued IDs. Transform your knowledge of military IDs, passports, and other cross border documents from basic to comprehensive for full compliance.
Second-Party Sales and Handling Intoxicated Customers
Develop skills to identify and prevent secondary purchases and sales to intoxicated individuals. Transform potentially risky situations into professionally managed interactions.
Miscellaneous Issues and Topics Impacting Alcohol Retail
Expand your compliance knowledge with insights on how to properly conduct tastings, delivery regulations, tobacco restrictions, and emerging product categories. Transform your operational awareness from narrow to comprehensive, covering all aspects of the retail environment.
Final Certification Assessment
Demonstrate your mastery of Massachusetts-specific alcohol compliance requirements. Transform from trainee to certified alcohol sales professional with recognized credentials that satisfy local licensing authority requirements.
Get Certified with BAT by MASSPACK
Protect your license
Prevent violations
Stay compliant
BAT by MASSPACK is a comprehensive 3-hour online training and certification program
designed specifically for off-premises alcohol retailers including:
grocery stores
liquor stores
convenience stores
bodegas
wine shops
package stores
Participants learn proven strategies for preventing illegal alcohol sales to underage or intoxicated customers.
The program was developed in collaboration with regulators, law enforcement, and licensing officials to meet the real-world compliance needs of Massachusetts retailers.
Covers all critical topics, including ID verification, fake ID detection, second-party sales, home delivery of alcoholic beverages, and handling intoxicated customers
Fully complies with M.G.L. Chapter 138 and satisfies local licensing authority requirements statewide
Includes a Final Certification Assessment
Certification valid for three years, but some municipalities may require annual training and certification. Please check the rules of your municipality.
Only $35 per person
Have a team to certify?
Group training options are available.
Contact MASSPACK at
call the MASSPACK office at
508-366-1100 for details.
FAQs
My alcohol sales are small. Will the ABCC target my store?
Over 90% of compliance violations resulting in ABCC sanctions are against small operators like convenience stores, mini-marts, package stores, wine shops, and independent markets. The ABCC doesn't discriminate based on sales volume. On the contrary, they conduct compliance checks at all types of establishments across Massachusetts. Also, be mindful that local licensing authorities often engage local law enforcement to perform compliance checks that are independent of the ABCC. Violations from either type of authority can be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
We use an ID scanner. Isn't that enough protection?
Legal standards in Massachusetts require more than just scanning IDs. You must verify the authenticity of the ID and ensure the person presenting it matches the photo. For example, you cannot reasonably rely on an ID that shows someone is 5’11” but the customer is actually 5’7”. Scanners alone don't meet this legal requirement. Scanners also don’t stop second party sales or sales to intoxicated customers.
How long does BAT take?
BAT goes far beyond ID checking. The course covers preventing sales to intoxicated individuals, stopping second-party sales, best practices for home delivery and tastings, plus recent law changes regarding THC hemp beverages, mini-bottle sales, and flavored tobacco. These comprehensive topics help keep your store compliant.
I took BAT years ago. Do I need to recertify?
Almost all Massachusetts communities require recertification every 3 years to ensure retailers stay current with changing laws and understand their legal obligations. Some require annual certification. Laws and regulations evolve, and BAT certification updates you on these critical changes.
Is BAT worth the time investment?
Stores that thought training was a waste of time were hit with violations resulting in suspended licenses, loss of the off-premises alcohol retail licenses and significant fines. BAT certification by MASSPACK has proven to be effective in preventing illegal sales. Don't risk becoming part of the 98% violation statistic.
You Need BAT Certification
BAT certification represents a commitment to compliance and professional standards in Massachusetts alcohol retail.
MASSPACK has maintained the integrity of this program for decades by ensuring all participants complete the full training and demonstrate their knowledge. Certification through BAT by MASSPACK is the industry standard because it validates your dedication to legal and responsible alcohol sales in Massachusetts.