RBS (Responsible Beverage Service) Training is a requirement in the state of California. We explore why it’s such an important investment, and what the true costs are if you don’t comply.
Responsible Beverage Service or RBS training is mandatory in the state of California as of July 1, 2022. Stemming from the Responsible Beverage Service Training Act, the state of California requires certain roles related to the service of alcohol to obtain training and certification with the goal of education and to reduce alcohol-related harm in local communities.
As with any training, there are associated costs, including the fee for the course and, in this case, the cost of the certification exam required by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). Userve’s RBS Training Course costs $19.99. The certification exam costs $3.00 and includes registration to ABC’s RBS portal. As a server or business owner of a licensed establishment, you may be wondering if these fees are actually worth it.
The answer is a resounding “Yes,” and here’s why:
- It’s a state legal requirement
As mentioned above, this training has been legally mandated by the state of California. Anyone who requires certification but doesn’t get certified will be in violation of the law. As a server, it’s your responsibility to ensure you are legally able to serve alcohol in your state. As a business owner, it’s up to you to ensure your employees are legally allowed to serve. If found non-compliant, your establishment could face penalties and disciplinary action, including alcohol license suspension. - The cost of non-compliance can be much greater
Compliance training goes a long way in keeping your workplace safe and minimizing the risk of legal action. Beyond administrative penalties, factor in the cost of potential legal battles, lost business during license suspension and so on. According to a 2021 U.S. survey, the average annual cost for companies having issues with compliance is $14.82 million. - Training contributes to employee retention – which keeps costs down
Attracting and keeping the best talent is key to a successful business. Additionally, the cost of training an existing employee is far less than hiring, onboarding and training a new one. Research shows that 40% of poorly trained employees leave their position within the first year, and the cost to an employer of a withdrawn employee is estimated at $550 per person, per year. The minor investment of a RBS training program like Userve’s is an affordable, efficient and effective way to keep your employees engaged. We also offer Business Training Solutions, which include features like bulk enrollment and personalized support to make getting your employees trained as easy as possible.
When looking at the big picture, it’s clear that the true cost of RBS training goes beyond just the price of admission to the course itself. If that’s not enough, keep in mind that trained employees are effective employees who will help keep your customers safe.
