Security guards working at Tennessee establishments licensed to serve alcohol are required to complete Dallas' Law training under Tennessee Code Annotated § 62-35-118. This course covers de-escalation techniques, safe restraint methods, legal powers and limitations of security officers, and first aid/CPR — all designed to improve safety in bars, restaurants, and nightlife venues across the state, particularly in high-traffic entertainment districts like Nashville's Lower Broadway.

Enacted in response to a tragic incident involving the death of a patron following an altercation with security staff, Dallas' Law reflects Tennessee's commitment to better-trained, safer security personnel working in establishments that serve alcohol. The law requires both armed and unarmed guards employed at qualifying establishments to complete this training, covering topics under Title 39 (Criminal Offenses) and Title 40 (Criminal Procedure) as they relate to a security officer's legal authority.

Certification must be renewed every two years, with four hours of refresher training and a passing score on a multiple-choice exam required to maintain compliance.

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Disclaimer: Any course, module, or portion of instruction that involves the handling, operation, or live-fire use of a firearm must be completed in person. Online, virtual, or remote formats are not permitted for these components due to safety, liability, and regulatory requirements. This includes, but is not limited to: NRA Basic Pistol, NRA Basic Rifle, NRA Basic Shotgun, Tennessee Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit, Armed Guard Initial, and Armed Guard Renewal.

This requirement also extends to hands-on, physical-intervention components of courses such as Less Lethal Training (Baton/OC Spray/Restraints) and the practical restraint and de-escalation portions of Dallas' Law Certification, which cannot be safely or lawfully completed online.

Participants must attend the designated in-person session(s) to receive credit or certification for these components. Failure to complete the required in-person portion may result in incomplete certification, and applications submitted without proof of in-person training completion may be denied by the applicable licensing authority.