Bar and Nightclub Security Course 2026
This course is for door and floor staff at bars, nightclubs and other licensed premises in Canada. It covers security duties, ID checks, spotting intoxication, removing patrons safely and handling drugs and medical emergencies.
Quick answer
This free course has about 15 minutes of lessons and a 25-question test. Score 80% or more to download a certificate of completion (private, not accredited). Checked against official sources on October 11, 2026.
What you will learn
- Describe the duties of door and floor security at licensed premises
- Check ID against provincial rules and spot altered cards
- Recognize signs of intoxication and refuse entry or service
- Remove patrons safely with a duty of care for their way home
- Respond to fights, drink spiking and overdoses
Score 80% or more to download your certificate.
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Question 1 of 25
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Answer: A. Making sure the fire code occupant load is not exceeded
AGLC lists crowd control duties, including making sure the occupant load under the fire code is not exceeded.
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Question 2 of 25
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Answer: A. Monitor patrons and intervene early to prevent fights and aggressive behaviour
AGLC expects security staff to watch patrons and step in early to prevent fights and other aggressive behaviour.
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Question 3 of 25
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Answer: B. Class A Minors Prohibited premises, such as bars and nightclubs
AGLC makes ProTect mandatory for security staff at Class A Minors Prohibited premises and commercial public resale special events.
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Question 4 of 25
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Answer: B. 30 days
AGLC policy requires ProTect certification within 30 days of the employment start date for new hires at these premises.
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Question 5 of 25
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Answer: A. ProServe
AGLC says anyone required to take ProTect must also complete ProServe, Alberta's responsible liquor service program.
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Question 6 of 25
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Answer: D. 25
In Alberta, staff ask for proof of age from anyone who appears to be under 25, even though the legal age is 18.
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Question 7 of 25
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Answer: B. 19
The legal drinking age in Ontario is 19, and staff must check ID for anyone who appears to be under 19. Many venues set a higher age for their own policy.
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Question 8 of 25
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Answer: B. A current, government-issued card with the person's photo and date of birth
Valid ID must be government-issued, current, and show the person's photograph and date of birth. Photocopies and expired ID are not valid.
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Question 9 of 25
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Answer: C. Refuse it and ask for the physical card
Photos and photocopies of ID are not accepted because they are hard to check. Staff must inspect the physical card.
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Question 10 of 25
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Answer: B. No, but you may accept it if the guest offers it voluntarily
AGCO guidance says Ontario Health Cards cannot be required, though one may be accepted if offered voluntarily.
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Question 11 of 25
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Answer: A. Ask questions such as the person's birthday or postal code, and ask for a second ID
Verification questions and a second piece of ID help confirm whether the card belongs to the person.
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Question 12 of 25
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Answer: B. Bubbling or peeling laminate
AGLC tells staff to hold and feel the card and look for bubbling or peeling laminate, altered lettering and a photo that does not match.
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Question 13 of 25
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Answer: C. Slurred speech, stumbling and fumbling with a phone or money
AGCO lists signs in speech, coordination and behaviour, such as slurring words, losing balance and fumbling with everyday items.
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Question 14 of 25
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Answer: D. One sign alone does not confirm intoxication, so keep monitoring
Signs can show up in any order, and a single sign does not confirm intoxication. Watch closely and offer food and water.
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Question 15 of 25
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Answer: C. Refuse entry
AGCO guidance says intoxicated individuals must not be permitted entry to licensed premises or adjacent areas under the licensee's control.
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Question 16 of 25
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Answer: B. Stop serving them alcohol and take steps to reduce harm, including a safe way home
With multiple signs, alcohol service must stop. Staff then reduce the risk of harm, including making sure the patron has a safe way home.
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Question 17 of 25
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Answer: A. Make sure they have a safe way home, such as a sober friend, a taxi or a ride
AGLC expects licensees to show care in ensuring a safe return home for intoxicated patrons. Never leave a vulnerable person in danger.
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Question 18 of 25
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Answer: D. Try to arrange another ride, and call police if they still drive away
Offering safe options and calling police if a person drives impaired protects the public without using force.
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Question 19 of 25
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Answer: B. Keeping an incident log that records how a patron was removed and how their safe departure was ensured
BC suggests incident logs that document removals and safe departures, shared with all staff.
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Question 20 of 25
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Answer: B. Friday and Saturday nights
CCOHS notes that staff at premises where alcohol is served face higher risk, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.
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Question 21 of 25
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Answer: B. Make sure the banned patron does not enter or remain
AGLC lists keeping banned patrons from entering or remaining on the premises as a security staff duty.
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Question 22 of 25
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Answer: B. Only as much as is necessary, on reasonable grounds
Under section 25 of the Criminal Code, people acting with legal authority may use only as much force as is necessary.
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Question 23 of 25
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Answer: A. Stay with her, tell a manager and get medical help, calling 911 if needed
Sudden, severe impairment after little alcohol can mean a drink was spiked or a medical problem. Treat it as a medical emergency.
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Question 24 of 25
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Answer: B. Simple possession of a controlled substance
The Act can protect people who seek help from simple possession charges. It does not cover more serious offences such as trafficking.
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Question 25 of 25
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Answer: D. Call for backup on the radio and approach with other staff when it is safe
Working as a team keeps staff and patrons safer. Call police if there are weapons or injuries, and get medical help for anyone hurt.
Keyboard: 1–4 to answer, Enter for the next question.
What to know before the test
- In Alberta, ProTect certification is mandatory for security staff at Class A Minors Prohibited premises, within 30 days of starting for new hires.
- AGLC policy is to ask for proof of age from anyone who appears to be under 25.
- In Ontario, the legal drinking age is 19 and valid ID must be government-issued, current, and show a photo and date of birth.
- In Ontario, intoxicated people must not be permitted to enter licensed premises.
- The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act can protect people who call for help during an overdose from simple possession charges.
Frequently asked questions
Do bar security staff in Alberta need special training?
Yes. AGLC makes ProTect certification mandatory for security staff at Class A Minors Prohibited premises and commercial public resale special events, and they must also complete ProServe.
What ID can a bouncer accept?
Original, current, government-issued ID with the person's photo and date of birth. Photocopies, photos on a phone and expired cards are not accepted.
Can a bar let in someone who is drunk?
No. Licensed premises must not let intoxicated people in, and must stop serving anyone who shows clear signs of intoxication.
How long does the course take?
The five lessons take about 15 minutes to read. The final test has 25 questions and you need 80% to pass.
Is the certificate accredited or officially recognised?
No. It is a private certificate of completion for knowledge only. It is not recognised, accredited or approved by any government, licensing body, regulator or educational institution, and it does not replace the security licence training required in your province or territory.
Sources
- Liquor Licensee Handbook (Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis)
- Training program requirements (Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis)
- How to identify minors: tips for licensees and staff (Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis)
- Tips for identifying minors (Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario)
- Information sheet: recognizing intoxication (Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario)
- Tip sheet: responsible service (Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario)
- Preventing contraventions (BC Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch)
- Violence and harassment in the workplace (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety)
- Criminal Code, section 25 (protection of persons acting under authority)
- About the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act (Health Canada)