Responsible server training is a certification program that teaches bartenders, servers, and other employees how to reduce the risk of serving minors, intoxicated patrons, or strangers who might become violent. Employees are trained to identify signs of intoxication and aggression so they know when someone should not be served further alcohol or remain in the premises. Californina RBS training certification also helps employers prove their staff has been trained to reduce risks in serving customers alcohol. Responsible server training is mandatory for anyone working where there is on-site sale of alcoholic beverages in California. The legislation was introduced after a number of high-profile incidents involving the sale of alcohol to minors or obviously intoxicated people. It applies to any company with employees who serve alcohol directly to customers on their premises.
Content Summary
What is Responsible Beverage Server Training?
The responsible beverage server training is a certification program that teaches bartenders, servers, and other employees how to reduce the risk of serving minors, intoxicated patrons, or strangers who might become violent. Employees are trained to identify signs of intoxication and aggression so they know when someone should not be served further alcohol or remain in the premises. RBS certification also helps employers prove their staff has been trained to reduce risks in serving customers alcohol. RBS is not a standalone training; it is a certification earned after completing a separate server training course, such as the one provided by the Alcohol Certification Program (ACP) through the National Restaurant Association. After completing the server training course and passing the certification exam, the employee can earn the RBS certification. ACP is not the only server training program that leads to certification. Other organizations offer certification for the same skills.
Who Needs to be Certified?
Anyone who serves alcohol in California must complete training and pass a test to get certified as a responsible server. The certification covers bartenders, wait staff, and other employees who serve alcohol in restaurants, bars, or other establishments that sell alcohol. The law applies to people who work for a licensed commercial alcohol seller, except for a few specific people who are exempt.
Responsible Server Certification Exemptions
Some people do not need to be certified as a responsible server. If someone holds a food handler’s permit under the California Health and Safety Code, they are exempt from this law. The following groups do not need to be certified as responsible servers and are not required to take the responsible beverage service training. This list may not include all the exemptions. For more information, please visit the California ABC website. California minors do not need to be certified, as they are not allowed to serve alcohol. However, minors cannot be employed in establishments where alcohol is served. They must leave when the bar closes. People who work for food concessions at sporting venues, such as at soccer or baseball stadiums, do not need to be certified. People who sell alcohol as part of their job, but do not serve alcohol directly to customers, do not need to be certified. This includes people who work in liquor stores or at a winery tasting room.
How to Become RBS Certified
Employees must complete responsible beverage server training and pass an exam to earn the certification. The training can be completed online, in a classroom setting, or through a blended method that combines both. The training course focuses on recognizing and dealing with the most common situations in which serving alcohol could lead to a problem, such as someone being intoxicated or underage. Each training course is unique, but they all cover the same topics, such as : This list may not include all the topics. For more information, please visit the California ABC website. After completing the course, employees can take a test to earn certification. The test is administered by a testing center that is approved by the alcohol board.
Conclusion
The responsible beverage server training is a certification program that teaches bartenders, servers, and other employees how to reduce the risk of serving minors, intoxicated patrons, or strangers who might become violent. Employees are trained to identify signs of intoxication and aggression so they know when someone should not be served further alcohol or remain in the premises. RBS certification also helps employers prove their staff has been trained to reduce risks in serving customers alcohol. If you work in an establishment that serves alcohol, you must be certified as a responsible server. To earn the certification, you must complete a training course and pass a test.
