Discover Userve's Alcohol Server Course – Your path to responsible service of alcohol. Gain essential skills, get certified, and protect your reputation.
In moderation, alcohol is a relatively harmless way for people to enjoy themselves in a social environment. However, its consumption can also lead to dangerous situations. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), drinking led to nearly 5 million Americans being admitted to Emergency Departments in 2021, with 108,891 death certificates citing alcohol as the cause of death during the same period.
Therefore, when it comes to serving alcohol, responsibility is paramount. It's not just about pouring drinks; it's about ensuring the safety of your patrons and protecting your brand. That's where Userve's Alcohol Server Course comes into play. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore what this course encompasses, how it sets the stage for safe alcohol service and why it's an essential step for anyone in the industry.
Why Responsible Alcohol Service Matters
Before getting into the specifics of the Alcohol Server Course, it's crucial to understand why responsible alcohol service is vital. Serving alcohol is a privilege that comes with significant responsibilities. As an alcohol server or bartender, you play a key role in safeguarding your patrons, your community and yourself.
Irresponsible alcohol service can lead to a host of problems, including:
- Overconsumption: Serving too much alcohol to an individual can lead to intoxication, which may result in accidents, health issues or even violence.
- Serving Minors: Selling alcohol to minors is not only illegal but also potentially life-threatening. Young individuals are more susceptible to the adverse effects of alcohol.
- Legal Consequences: Violating alcohol laws and regulations can have severe legal ramifications, including fines, suspension of licenses and even imprisonment.
- Reputational Damage: For businesses in the hospitality industry, irresponsible alcohol service can tarnish your brand's reputation, leading to loss of customers and revenue.
Now that we understand the significance of responsible alcohol service let's explore Userve's Alcohol Server Course in detail.
What does Userve's Alcohol Server Course Cover?
Userve's Alcohol Server Course is a comprehensive training program designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills required to serve alcohol responsibly and safely. This program consists of four modules that cover various aspects of alcohol service. Here's what you can expect to learn:
1: Social Impacts of Alcohol
People often enjoy consuming alcohol, with the motivations behind their choice ranging from celebratory occasions to a general appreciation of a drink's flavor. Alcoholic beverages can play a role in elevating social interactions, potentially alleviating stress and promoting relaxation.
In general, responsible and safe drinking practices are observed by the majority of people. Nonetheless, it's important to acknowledge that excessive alcohol consumption can pose serious and life-threatening risks.
An example of such risks is driving under the influence of alcohol. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that every day around 37 people die as a result of drunk-driving – that's one life lost every 39 minutes.
Understanding the social impacts of alcohol is the foundation of responsible service. This section of the course is designed to raise your awareness of both the positive and negative effects of alcohol consumption. You'll also gain insight into your role as an alcohol server or bartender, including how your actions can influence the drinking behavior of your patrons. This knowledge will help you create a safer and more enjoyable environment for all of your customers.
2: Impacts of Alcohol on the Body
Knowing how alcohol affects the human body is crucial to serving customers safely. This module explores the physiological and psychological impacts of alcohol consumption. You'll learn to recognize signs of intoxication, understand blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and gain insights into how to avoid over-serving customers or serving alcohol to those who are already intoxicated. By doing so, you can help prevent alcohol-related accidents and incidents.
During this part of course, you’ll learn:
- How alcohol passes through the body
- How the body processes alcohol
- How alcohol in the bloodstream is measured
- How to estimate a person’s Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) using a BAC chart
- Factors that impact BAC
- Standard servings of alcohol
- Common myths about sobering up
3: Laws and Regulations Related to Alcohol Service
Every state has its own set of laws and regulations concerning alcohol service. It's essential to be well-versed in these legal responsibilities. This module will ensure that you understand the specific laws and regulations related to alcohol service in your area.
This knowledge will cover the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders, including the liquor authority, law enforcement and employers. Compliance with these laws is not only a legal requirement but also a measure to protect your establishment and your patrons.
This section of Userve’s Alcohol Server Training outlines the relevant laws and regulations for your specific state. This includes:
- Laws and regulations specific to alcohol service
- The role of the liquor authority
- The role of local law enforcement agencies
- The role of your employer
- Different types of liabilities related to alcohol service
As an alcohol server, it’s important for you to know your state laws related to alcohol service. Each state has the right to regulate the sale and service of alcoholic beverages. Currently, all states in the U.S. have passed laws that establish a minimum drinking age of 21, as well as a driving limit of .08% BAC.
4: Prevention of Service to Minors and Intoxicated Customers
Underage drinking remains a significant public health issue in the United States and the consequences are tragic. A recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that excessive drinking is responsible for more than 3,900 deaths among people under the age of 21 each year.
Serving alcohol to minors or intoxicated customers is both illegal and unsafe. This module equips you with the tools and techniques needed to prevent such scenarios. You'll learn strategies for identifying minors and using effective ID checking procedures.
Additionally, you'll gain insights into managing intoxicated customers and defusing tense situations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Here’s what to expect from the final section of the course:
- Acceptable and unacceptable forms of ID
- Proper techniques for checking IDs
- Ways to refuse service to intoxicated customers
- How to stop service while maintaining a safe environment for customers and coworkers
Why Choose Userve's Alcohol Server Certification Program?
Interactive Learning Experience
Online courses built with the latest e-Learning technologies for an engaging learning experience.
Expert Training
Lessons designed by experienced learning and development professionals.
Study at Your Own Pace
Flexible courses built for your busy schedule with easy start-and-stop functionality.
12-Month Access
Complete the course in a single session or train at your own pace with course access for up to one year.
State Legislation Regarding Alcohol Server Certification
Different states will have different requirements when it comes to Alcohol Server Certification. Below are some examples of stipulations that are in place:
- All alcohol servers employed at a licensed business must have a valid Alcohol Server Certificate.
- A supervisor with a valid Alcohol Server Certificate must be on premises during all hours that alcohol is being served.
- Alcohol servers must renew their certificate every 3 years.
Be sure that you know the training requirements for the state you will be working in. Failing to comply with training requirements can result in administrative penalties and disciplinary action.
Where required, Userve Alcohol Server Courses have been tailored to accommodate state-specific regulations to help you gain the correct certification. Here are some examples of state-approved training programs:
California Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Certification Program
Userve’s RBS Course is approved by California’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). As of July 1, 2022, under the requirements of CA Assembly Bill 1221, all California on-premises alcohol beverage servers and their managers must complete RBS Training and pass the RBS Certification exam to legally serve alcohol. Certification is valid for three years.
Illinois BASSET Certification Program
Designed for both on-premises and off-premises alcohol beverage servers and their managers, Userve’s BASSET Training offers a straightforward path to achieving state-required BASSET Certification.
Michigan Alcohol Server/Seller Certification
Userve’s Michigan Alcohol Server/Seller Training is approved by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC). Individuals taking part in the Michigan Alcohol Server/Seller Course can also complete their final exam online through Userve. Certification is valid for three years.
Get Certified
In the world of alcohol service, responsibility is key. Userve's Alcohol Server Course equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to serve alcohol responsibly and safely. With modules covering the social and physiological impacts of alcohol, legal responsibilities and techniques for preventing service to minors and intoxicated customers, this course sets the stage for a safe and enjoyable drinking experience for all.
Userve Alcohol Server Certification provides you with the knowledge and skills needed to do your job effectively, ensuring customer safety and avoiding potential disciplinary action.
Find a Userve training program that is applicable to your specific state, or contact us if you need help selecting the most suitable course for you.
