Understanding and Complying with Alcohol Serving Training Requirements for California Restaurant Owners
Owning a restaurant in the Golden State is a rewarding endeavor, but it also comes with a host of responsibilities. If your restaurant serves alcohol, one of those responsibilities is ensuring your employees receive proper alcohol serving training, in compliance with California law. This blog post will guide you through what you need to know about these critical requirements.
Why is Alcohol Serving Training Important?
In California, servers and sellers of alcohol are required to complete a Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) training program approved by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). The aim of this training is to reduce alcohol-related harm in our communities, including drunk driving and alcohol-related incidents.
The training equips your employees with the knowledge and skills needed to serve alcohol responsibly, including how to:
Check identification to prevent underage drinking.
Recognize signs of intoxication.
Handle difficult situations, such as refusing service to intoxicated customers.
Understand the legal responsibilities and liabilities of serving alcohol.
Compliance with California's RBS Training Program Requirements
Here are the steps you need to take to comply with California's RBS training requirements:
Ensure your employees complete a state-approved RBS training program: The training program should be approved by the California ABC, and your employees should complete the program within 60 days of their employment.
Keep records of your employees' RBS training: Once your employees have completed their RBS training, they will receive a certification that is valid for three years. You should keep records of these certifications and ensure your employees renew their training as required.
Ensure your employees understand and follow the laws regarding alcohol service: Even after completing their RBS training, it's crucial that your employees understand and adhere to the laws regarding alcohol service in California. This includes not serving alcohol to anyone under 21 or anyone who appears to be intoxicated.
A Word on Liability
Remember, as a restaurant owner, you can be held liable for any harm caused by an intoxicated customer. This is why it's so important to ensure your employees are properly trained in responsible alcohol service.
Compliance with the RBS training requirements is not just a legal obligation. It's a crucial part of running a responsible and successful restaurant. By taking the time to ensure your employees are properly trained, you're helping to protect your customers, your employees, and your business.
If you have any questions or concerns about complying with California's alcohol serving training requirements, consider consulting with a legal professional focusing on California's restaurant and alcohol service regulations.
Stay responsible, stay successful!
Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for any legal decisions.