Do All Employees of an Alcohol Establishment Need to Be Certified?

Restaurants and bars can be fun establishments that allow you to unwind after a tense work day or hang out with friends. However, they are still businesses that must follow certain laws established by the state of California. If the business sells alcohol, there are further laws that must be followed in order for the business to be considered legally responsible. Do all employees of an alcohol establishment need to be certified? Effectively, yes.

Do All Employees of an Alcohol Establishment Need to Be Certified?

In the state of California, all employees of an establishment that serves alcohol must be accurately certified and registered with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) as of July 2022. This mandatory registration for servers, bartenders, managers, and door staff ensures that more employees are able to effectively identify signs of intoxication in drunken customers, prevents possible legal issues from arising, and prepares employees for multiple scenarios.

The ABC created the Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Training Program to provide California restaurant workers with the appropriate and necessary education to become as informed as possible regarding the potential dangers of over-serving alcohol to customers and serving minors. The employees who work at the businesses that are required to be certified must undergo a three-step training program and become certified at least 60 days after their first day on the job.

The Three-Step Training Program

Becoming certified to serve or sell alcohol in the state of California is not a complicated process. In fact, it’s quite streamlined for the convenience of the applicant. The three-step training program is:

• Register: If you are going to work in an environment that sells or serves alcohol, you must be registered in the RBS Portal.
• Training: Once you are registered in the RBS Portal, you will need to complete your online training with a provider that is authorized in RBS training. The training courses are available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.
• Pass the Exam: Finally, once you have gone through the training, you will need to pass the ABC Alcohol Server Certification Exam. Your certification to serve or sell alcohol will be good for three years. In order for your certification to stay valid, you will have to recertify prior to the expiration date.

The Benefits of Server Training

Having your coworkers understand the signs of intoxication and actively trying to prevent the sale of alcohol to minors can only help you in the long run. After all, it can be good to know everyone around you is on the same page when it comes to the right and wrong way to serve alcohol in your establishment, whether it’s a restaurant, bar, stadium, movie theater, hotel, or club. Here are some of the other important benefits that server training can bring to your job:

• Reduced Incidents: When nobody has had training, it is possible that incidents involving drunken or belligerent customers could happen more often. However, when your staff has had the proper training, it can be easier to notice when something is about to happen and help to prevent it from happening at all. A reduction in drunken customers can lead to fewer incidents of drunk driving, fighting, and other accidents.
• Increased Safety: Having knowledgeable staff who are ready to act in the event of an incident can make things safer in your working environment, not just for the employees but for the customers as well. RBS training can help you spot a fake ID, prevent the sale of alcohol to minors, and notice the signs of increased drunkenness from customers. All of these things can contribute to a safer environment for all.

FAQs

Q: Do All Employees of an Alcohol Establishment Need to Be Certified in California?

A: Yes, all employees of an alcohol establishment need to be certified in California. Under state law, anyone who works in an establishment that serves alcohol, including restaurants, bars, stadiums, theaters, and hotels, must be certified with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). This helps to ensure that all employees are able to recognize the signs of intoxication and help prevent the sale of alcohol to minors, among other factors.

Q: What Happens if a Server Doesn’t Get Alcohol Certified?

A: If a server does not get alcohol certified, they simply would not be legally allowed to serve alcohol until they are able to get that certification. If they decide to continue serving alcohol anyway without certification, they risk a number of potential consequences. They could be arrested for unlawfully serving alcohol, they could be barred from working in the hospitality industry, and the business they work for could face a suspension.

Q: Whose Responsibility at a Licensed Alcohol Business Is it to Monitor Customers?

A: In California, it is largely considered the server’s responsibility to be the gatekeeper when it comes to serving customers alcohol. It is their job to check all customers for valid IDs, take their drink orders, pour those drinks, and monitor the customers for increased signs of drunkenness. At that point, the server can decide to cut the customer off from further alcoholic beverages. This can prove easier said than done, and the server may need assistance with this if the customer gets belligerent or tries to fight.

Q: Does the Bouncer Need to Be Certified in California?

A: Yes, the bouncer does need to be certified in California. All security personnel in working environments that sell alcohol must be RBS certified. Bouncers and other security workers often check IDs at the door and may be responsible for monitoring drunken customers for signs of aggression.

Contact an ABC Lawyer Today

It can be challenging to fully understand the needs and legalities of becoming RBS-licensed for your business. If you make mistakes, you could risk damage to your business and your reputation in the industry. An experienced California Alcohol Beverage Compliance attorney can provide you with everything you need to make an informed decision and comply with the laws. Contact the legal team at Blake & Ayaz to speak with a valued team member and schedule a consultation.