If you're interested in working as a bartender or server, a lucrative career could be in your future. Of course, it helps if you work in a thriving geographical location, acquire essential skills and get properly trained.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 113,500 new bartending jobs are projected to open yearly over the next eight years. If you include all food and beverage workers, that number soars to over 1 million!
Selling and serving alcohol isn’t about slinging drinks around and partying with patrons. This industry requires professionalism and responsibility.
So, how do you reach your goal of becoming a high-level working pro? You may have heard you should enroll in a TIPS alcohol training and certification program. But is it necessary?
What Is TIPS Certification?
Training for Intervention Procedures (TIPS) is a nationally recognized alcohol awareness training program designed to prevent intoxication, drunk driving and underage drinking.
It equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize signs of intoxication, intervene effectively and confidently handle challenging situations.
Do You Need an Alcohol Seller-Server Course?
Requirements vary depending on state regulations, workplace policies and personal career goals. Many states, such as California and Illinois, mandate the completion of such coursework. Others, like Texas, highly recommend it for industry professionals.
Even when it is not mandatory under state laws, many employers prefer that staff involved in selling or serving beverages complete an approved course. For instance, Texas suggests workers pursue a Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission-approved course (TABC). Meanwhile, Illinois has Beverage Alcohol Sellers and Servers Education and Training (BASSET), and California operates the Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) system to ensure compliance.
Texas TABC
Many employers in Texas require anyone involved in the sale or service of alcoholic drinks to obtain TABC certification. This alcohol safety awareness training covers state laws and regulations regarding the sale and service of these beverages and techniques for responsible service.
Illinois BASSET Certification
Similarly, Illinois mandates BASSET training for servers and sellers. This class covers topics such as checking IDs, recognizing signs of intoxication and understanding liability issues.
Topics also include:
Illinois alcohol statutes, local ordinances and DUI laws
Reporting violations to the Illinois Liquor Control Commission
Knowing how and when to refuse service
Responsibilities of a seller-server
Identifying underage and intoxicated customers
Estimating blood alcohol concentration (BAC)
What is a standard drink?
Driving under the influence
Prevention and intervention techniques
Signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning
Laws about minors and alcohol
Penalties for alcohol-related offenses
Proper identification techniques
Dram shop laws and liability
And much more!
California RBS Program
Under the state’s Assembly Bills 1221 and 82, every alcohol server and their managers must be trained and certified. AB 1221 defines this type of worker as anyone employed at an ABC-licensed on-premises establishment responsible for checking IDs, taking customer orders and pouring or serving alcoholic beverages.
RBS programs focus on alcohol server responsibilities such as preventing overconsumption, underage drinking and other industry-related issues through proper service practices.
Servers and their managers must have a valid RBS certification from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) and pass an online ABC-administered exam.
To this end, employees are required to complete these steps:
Register with ABC through the RBS portal. This is also where applicants complete the final exam.
Complete the RBS program through a provider such as eFoodcard. We offer a 100% online state-approved course.
Pass the ABC Alcohol Server Exam. Applicants have three attempts to pass the exam. Students must pass the exam within 30 days.
RBS education was created to help managers and employees reduce the incidents of drunk driving, service to minors and more.
Alcohol Seller-Server Courses
These classes encompass a broader range of subjects to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for responsible sales and service for on- and off-premises consumption. If you sell alcohol that is consumed on-site, you'll need to enroll in an on-premises course. If you sell alcohol for consumption anywhere other than your business, you likely need off-premises training.
On-premises locations include bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Off-premises locations include convenience stores, liquor stores and other businesses where on-site consumption isn’t permitted. Both provide the necessary knowledge and skills needed to sell and serve responsibly.
Easy Online Options
The decision to pursue any alcohol server training depends on various factors, including state regulations, employer preferences and career objectives. While not always mandatory, proper education offers numerous benefits, including enhanced job prospects and a commitment to responsible service.
So, whether you’ve set your sights on mixing cocktails in a Los Angeles nightclub or serving beers in an Amarillo bar or a tavern in Skokie, you’ll benefit from an approved educational program.
eFoodcard offers many state-approved alcohol seller-server courses. Best of all, they’re available 100% online, allowing you to train at your own pace. You’ll gain valuable knowledge and skills that will prepare you to contribute to a culture of responsible service.
Take the next step in your career to help create safer environments for customers and coworkers.