Welcome to lovely Las Vegas! Every year, new residents are drawn to Nevada by the chance to work in the vibrant hospitality industry. What they may not know is that there are special local work requirements in many industries. Before working in Nevada in the hotel, gaming, food and beverage industries, you must obtain 3 different cards to show you’ve met certain training and background check requirements – a TAM® Card, a Food Handler Card, and a Work Card. Read on to learn more about each!

• A TAM® Card, also called an alcohol awareness card or a drink card is required for anyone who works at an establishment where they sell or serve alcoholic beverages, and also for security guards. This includes cashiers who check I.D. and sell beer and wine products. To get a TAM Card, you take a short alcohol awareness course online or in the classroom at TAM of Nevada. You’ll get your card right after taking your final exam. The process is simple, and TAM employees are in the office six days a week to help you get your card in the most convenient way possible! Enroll in an online or classroom course now.
• A Food Handler Card, sometimes also referred to as a Health Card, is required for anyone who works in a food establishment such as a restaurant or bar. This includes kitchen staff, servers, managers, and anyone who could come into contact with food, ice, beverages, utensils, etc. To get a Food Handler Card, you may review online training information at the Nevada Health District website, and then visit their office to take the required test and pick up your card.
• Work Cards, sometimes also referred to as Sheriffs Cards, have been a requirement for employees in the gaming industry since the 1940’s. Employees are required to obtain this card for all positions in a gaming establishment and many other work places. The purpose of the Work Card is to document, investigate and license all employees of the gaming industry. Unlike TAM® and Food Handler Cards, you cannot obtain a Work Card before you have landed a job. Work Cards are issued by the Las Vegas Metro Police Department. You’ll get a work card application from your prospective employer, and will be fingerprinted by the police department as a part of the application process. For more information, visit the LVMPD website.

Good luck in your new position and remember that both TAM and Food Handler Cards expire after a certain number of years. Check your expiration dates and remember to visit the proper offices to repeat training and obtain your replacement cards as needed!