If you want to sell or serve alcohol in a licensed business in the Golden State, you'll need specific training to get certified. It's the law, and there's no way around it. The state's Code of Regulations mandates Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Training certification in California.
This article will help you understand California alcohol laws. We will also help you find the approved alcohol awareness training you need to earn the alcohol certification California requires for all beverage servers.
Do I Need RBS Certification?
If you are an on-premise beverage worker, the answer is yes. Even if you're just checking IDs, the rules in Assembly Bill 1221 apply to you. Regardless of how many hours you work, you'll need to take an approved RBS training course and then pass the certification exam. This applies to servers and managers as well.
Off-premise employees, like convenience store clerks, liquor store workers and gas station attendants, are not required to complete this training. Instead, alcoholic beverage sellers may take the state's Licensee Education on Alcohol and Drugs (LEAD) program. This is a free, voluntary program offered by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (CA ABC).
Servers include anyone who:
- Checks ID
- Takes drink orders
- Mixes or pours drinks
- Serves alcohol
Managers include anyone who:
- Supervises alcohol service
- Hires or trains servers
Make sure you purchase the right kind of training. Contact your employer if you have any questions about which course applies to your job.
Importance of RBS Training
Beyond the legal requirement, alcohol server certification is crucial for promoting and practicing responsible beverage service. Trained servers ensure a safer and more enjoyable environment for customers.
This program is not some random set of numbered sections and regulations established by state legislators to make your life difficult. RBS training is designed to promote the safe sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages. The program teaches bartenders, managers and servers vital skills to help prevent sales to minors and reduce underage drinking, overconsumption and drunk driving.
Legal Compliance
ABC requires servers to complete the program within 60 days of starting work. Obeying state and local ABC laws is non-negotiable for businesses serving or selling alcohol. Accredited programs teach beverage workers the nuts and bolts of California's alcohol laws and regulations.
By knowing and adhering to these laws, workers can help prevent underage drinking, over-consumption and other violations that may result in costly fines, penalties and other legal consequences for non-compliance.
Reducing Liability Risks
Failure to adhere to RBS practices can expose owners and staff to legal liability in the event of ABC violations. Server training helps mitigate these risks by educating employees on the dangers of over-serving customers, how to recognize unacceptable forms of ID and when to intervene in potentially dangerous situations and handle conflicts effectively.
By reducing the likelihood of alcohol-related accidents and injuries, businesses can minimize their liability exposure and protect their financial interests.
Protecting Your Industry Reputation
A company's reputation is one of its most valuable assets, particularly in the competitive hospitality industry. RBS certification demonstrates a commitment to public safety and responsible alcohol service, which can enhance customer trust and loyalty. Patrons might even express their approval with more frequent visits and bigger tips.
By ensuring all staff are appropriately trained, business owners can bolster their reputations and their incomes while protecting employees from liability.
Steps to Get Your Alcohol Service Permit
The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control created the RBS program to ensure that on-premises servers and managers receive proper education on the dangers of serving underaged and overserved customers.
You can complete this mandatory alcohol server certification program online. However, you need to follow specific steps to get your certification before you can start pouring craft beer and signature cocktails.
Required Steps
- Create an account on the California RBS Portal to register as a server.
- Once logged into your account, apply and pay the fee. You will then be given a Server ID number.
- Enroll in an online course with an authorized RBS Training Provider.
- After completing the course, you will receive an email from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control stating that you may begin your ABC Alcohol Server Certification exam.
- You must take and pass the state-administered exam within 30 days following course completion.
Your certificate is valid for three years. Your employer may require you to provide a copy of your certificate. More than just a condition of employment, this allows your boss to provide training information to inspectors and regulators as needed.
Online Education Options
eFoodcard is a recognized leader in food and beverage training, offering courses accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB). Approved by the California ABC, our RBS Training program can be completed 100% online at your own pace.
Log in, learn and log off at any time. Access course material from any internet-connected device. You're guaranteed to pass our alcohol education program!
Course Topics
The program consists of five lesson modules. The topics this course covers include:
- Impaired driving
- Responsibilities of on-premise servers
- Regulations and requirements for beverage workers
- Properly checking a driver's license or other valid ID
- Preventing illegal sales to minors
- Recognizing an intoxicated person
- Managerial responsibilities
Testing and Certification Exam
Each section includes a quiz you must pass. You have unlimited attempts at each quiz to get a score of at least 70%.
After you pass the fifth quiz, your course completion will be reported to California ABC within 24 hours. After that, you have up to 30 days to pass the ABC exam on the state's RBS portal.
You have three attempts to pass the certification exam with a 70% or higher score. If you fail, you must retake the course to receive a new link to the exam. The certification exam is offered in English and Spanish.
The Road to Responsible Service
The state takes alcohol server training seriously, which is a fundamental reason for you to obtain alcohol server certification in California. Beyond mere compliance with state alcohol policy, this program is crucial in safeguarding public health.
eFoodcard's Online program makes it easy for you to serve patrons safely and legally, so sign up and get started now!