Effective July 1, 2022, on-premises alcohol servers and manager(s) working at about 56,000 Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) licensee locations are required to obtain a valid RBS certification from an ABC accredited RBS training provider by August 31, 2022. Those hired after July 1 must obtain certification within 60 days of their first date of employment. If you serve alcohol on-premise in California don’t get caught off guard.
Why?
Passed in 2017, the Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Training Program Act was meant to reduce the negative impacts of alcohol consumption in communities, such as underage drinking or serving alcohol to already intoxicated patrons. The original deadline was set for July of 2021, however, Assembly Bill 82 extended the deadline to 2022 to offer some relief to the industry, which has been heavily burdened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
What is Required?
Alcohol servers and managers are required to complete an RBS training course. The courses are intended to, “…instruct and educate alcohol servers on responsible practices regarding the sale and service of alcoholic beverages…”, and students will be trained on topics such as the physical and social impacts of alcohol, state laws related to alcohol, and intervention techniques.
By August 31, 2022, or 60 days after their first date of employment they must:
1. Register with the ABC
2. Complete an ACB accredited RBS training course
3. Pass the course exam
4. Receive certification
Upon passing the course examination, servers and managers will be issued a certification number valid for three years from the date of completion. Companies will be required to maintain records of the certifications to show compliance.
What If My Managers and Alcohol Servers Completed Training Already?
Here’s something that you might not be aware of. Prior to Monday, March 29, 2021, none of the responsible beverage service training providers currently offering services in CA were ABC approved for the upcoming statewide mandate. Servers may search for ABC-approved RBS training providers via the RBS Portal.
For more information, visit the RBS Portal and check out the list of approved training providers.
If you need help getting your company compliant, or have questions about how this might impact your business, contact your consultant or reach out to The HR Manager today.