If your organization offers responsible alcohol seller/server training and you’re not yet approved in Virginia, now is the time to prepare. The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (Virginia ABC) opens its annual STAP application window on September 1, and providers have only one month — until October 1 at 5:00 p.m. — to submit their application for review.
This short window means now is the perfect time to gather your materials and get organized.
What is STAP?
STAP stands for Seller/Server Training Approval Program, an approval process required by Virginia ABC for third-party alcohol server training programs. This process ensures that all training programs used by alcohol licensees meet the requirements of COV 4.1-227.E and reflect current state codes and regulations.
Only providers approved through STAP can offer training recognized by Virginia ABC for alcohol service compliance.
Application Window: September 1 – October 1, 5:00 p.m.
The 2025 STAP application period runs from Sunday, September 1 through Tuesday, October 1 at 5:00 p.m. (ET). Applications submitted outside of this window will not be accepted.
If you’re planning to apply this year, now (late July through August) is the time to finalize your training materials and ensure you meet all submission requirements.
What You Need to Submit
Applications must be mailed to Virginia ABC and include three hard copies of your complete training program materials. This includes:
- Completed STAP Application Form (PDF)
- Scripts for all PowerPoint, video, and online modules
- All program materials (PowerPoints, videos, online modules, etc.)
- Answer keys for all quizzes and exams
- Participant manual (if classroom-based)
- Instructor manual (if classroom-based)
- USB drives with all video files (if in-classroom delivery is offered)
- Login/password access for reviewers to view online programs without restriction
- All printed pages must be numbered
During the review process, reviewers must be able to navigate the training freely — so no timed slides, forced navigation, or locked modules.
Once Approved
Approved providers are required to:
- Keep training materials updated with changes to Virginia alcohol laws and regulations
- Submit annual participation reports to Virginia ABC by July 15 each year
- Re-submit their full program for re-approval every three years
Annual reporting includes the number of classroom and online participants who completed the training in Virginia between July 1–June 30.
Who’s Already Approved?
Current approved providers include:
- Learn2Serve / 360Training
- StateFoodSafety
- Rserving
- ServSafe
- Techniques of Alcohol Management
- Ready Training Online
- Virginia Health and Safety Institute
- SureSellNow / Diversity Learning
- Certs University
- Various in-house programs (Gopuff, Instacart, 7-Eleven, etc.)
Final Thoughts for NAHCT Members
If you’re a training provider serving the hospitality industry and are not yet approved in Virginia, this is your moment.
The approval process is thorough — and rightly so — but it’s also a valuable opportunity to demonstrate your program’s credibility and align with state standards.
NAHCT encourages all eligible members to review the requirements now and prepare their application materials well ahead of the September 1 deadline. Being proactive could mean gaining access to a key market and helping more licensees stay compliant.
For more information, contact Virginia ABC’s Community Health & Engagement team at education@virginiaabc.com or visit the STAP program page.
The information presented in this blog was prepared by the National Association of Hospitality Compliance Trainers (NAHCT) as a summary to assist training providers in staying informed about compliance updates. While every effort has been made to provide accurate information, NAHCT is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or misinterpretations. Each training provider is responsible for reviewing the official statutes, regulations, and guidance from the appropriate regulatory authority to ensure their curriculum is accurate and compliant.
