Alcohol Safety

Today, every operation needs to be responsible.  The challenges surrounding alcohol service have increased dramatically. There are rising alcohol liability premiums and more sophisticated fake IDs. Stricter dram shop laws and a more litigious environment are also a constant concern.

All members of your establishment's staff must understand their liability regarding alcohol service.  Protect your establishment and your front-of-the-house staff by getting the proper responsible alcohol training. And talk to your insurance broker because many brokers and underwriters offer credits or discounted rates on liquor liability insurance for having responsible alcohol service policies and procedures in place.

What does Ohio Require?

Is Alcohol Safety Manager Certification required in Ohio?

No, it is voluntary.

What are the instructor requirements?

ServSafe AlcoholTM  Approved Instructor

Is Manager Certification required?

Manager Certification is not required. However, ServSafe® training is considered a best practice for food service operations and those serving alcohol and is strongly recommended by the Ohio Restaurant Association.

Mitigating Benefits:

In considering whether to suspend or revoke a permit, or in issuing an order allowing a permit holder to elect to pay a fine, the liquor control commission shall consider whether the permit holder and the permit holder's employees have successfully completed an alcohol server training program.

State Liquor Authority:

Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Liquor Control
6606 Tussing Road, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068

For more information please visit the State of Ohio, Alcohol Regulations page

Why does the Ohio Restaurant Association Endorse ServSafe AlcoholTM  Training?

Why is ServSafe AlcoholTM always the right decision? In short, it sets the standard for responsible alcohol service training. Take a closer look at the program and it's easy to see why.

Based on a model of success.
ServSafe AlcoholTM is vital, practical and current responsible alcohol service training. It implements the same approach ServSafe® pioneered for the industry's most recognized food safety training and certification. That makes ServSafe AlcoholTM a smart training solution for every operation and every classroom.

Real-world expertise makes a real difference.
The ServSafe AlcoholTM program was developed with input from experts in the restaurant, legal, regulatory, academic, insurance, medical and law enforcement fields. Together, they determined the tasks that the front-of-the-house needs to know. It's a holistic approach that helps assure everyone has the training they need to serve alcohol responsibly.

The most current and comprehensive training solution.
ServSafe AlcoholTM includes the latest studies and science-based information, explores real-world situations and makes it all engaging and accessible with the latest instructional design techniques.

Today's biggest issues are brought to the forefront.
Lessons cover essential information, including alcohol laws and responsibilities, evaluating intoxication levels, dealing with difficult situations and checking identification.

Check the facts. Compare ServSafe AlcoholTM to other training.
It's time to put the best to the test. Use this checklist to compare ServSafe AlcoholTM to all other responsible alcohol training programs.

ServSafe
Alcohol		   Other
Programs
YES Comprehensive coverage
ServSafe AlcoholTM is comprehensive, yet practical. It serves as the ideal reference manual for the student's entire career.		 NO
YES Highly flexible training
ServSafe AlcoholTM is designed to work in a classroom setting, one-on-one or in-unit instruction, or online.		 NO
YES Holistic approach
ServSafe AlcoholTM teaches the whole front-of-the-house, including busers, door staff, hosts, servers, and valets, to work together as a team. This holistic approach is more effective in diffusing difficult situations.		 NO
YES Real-world case studies
ServSafe AlcoholTM makes an impression that lasts. These real-world experiences also give every student a way to apply their learning to help avoid these difficulties back at work.		 NO
YES Created by our industry
ServSafe AlcoholTM was created with input from chain and independent operators, along with experts from the legal, regulatory, academic, insurance, medical, and law enforcement fields. They determined the tasks that the front-of-the-house needs to know to serve alcohol responsibly today.		 NO
YES Covers today's biggest issues
ServSafe AlcoholTM is the in-depth way to learn today. The new Fundamentals of Responsible Alcohol Service textbook includes chapters on Alcohol Law and Your Responsibilities, Recognizing and Preventing Intoxication, Checking Identification, and Handling Difficult Situations.		 NO
YES Multimedia learning tools
ServSafe AlcoholTM has exceptional training tools, such as video role-playing showing the right way to handle difficult situations, dynamic visual aides including guides and charts, and the interactive Showdown! game. They help with learning and knowledge retention across the board.		 NO
YES Exam options
There are two exam options, both offered in either written paper-and-pencil format or as online exams.

The ServSafe AlcoholTM Advanced Examination is a secured responsible alcohol service examination, which means it has more rigorous standards of administration and development. Passing this exam confirms students have
mastered critical knowledge.

The ServSafe AlcoholTM Primary Examination tests for basic responsible alcohol service knowledge. Students that pass this non-secured exam receive a certificate showing that they have studied and are knowledgeable about how to serve alcohol responsibly.		 NO

Why should you invest in ServSafe AlcoholTM training?

Today, every operation needs to be responsible.  The challenges surrounding alcohol service have increased dramatically. There are rising alcohol liability premiums and more sophisticated fake IDs. Stricter dram shop laws and a more litigious environment are also a constant concern.

All members of your establishment's staff must understand their liability regarding alcohol service. Being liable means having legal responsibilities, and if individuals do not act in accordance with those laws it could result in:

  • Fines
  • Imprisonment
  • Loss of liquor license
  • Closing the establishment

Types of Law and Liability include:

  • Criminal Liability. If found criminally liable for serving a minor or a guest who is or appears to be intoxicated, the server and/or the licensee can face fines, probation or jail time depending on the state. The operation could lose its liquor license, have to pay fines and may feel significant consequences in the cost of their insurance.
  • Civil Liability. If found civilly liable for contributing to a guest's injury, the server, the owner/licensee and the operation all face the possibility of large monetary settlements. Depending on the size of the judgment, this could result in bankruptcy and will most certainly bring hefty court fees.
  • Dram Shop Laws, allow for an establishment and its owners and employees to be sued by someone injured by a patron who had been drinking alcohol at the establishment.

Protect your establishment and your front-of-the-house staff by getting the proper responsible alcohol training. And talk to your insurance broker because many brokers and underwriters offer credits or discounted rates on liquor liability insurance for having responsible alcohol service policies and procedures in place.

ServSafe AlcoholTM - next steps:

To learn more about ServSafe AlcoholTM, to purchase materials or find classes and trainers in your area call 800-765-2122 ext. 6701 or click here.