Liquor-Server Training Sessions Scheduled, Including One in September

Three alcohol-server training days have been scheduled by the East Providence Prevention Coalition for businesses that serve beer or liquor. One session is coming up in early September.

Jennifer Wall, director of the EPPC, said the four-hour training sessions are for anyone who serves alcoholic beverages or works in a bar or restaurant. Servers have to be certified with a state-approved training program within 60 days of being hired.

But anyone who serves alcohol from the first day on the job should be made aware of the laws, especially the need to card customers, especially if they look underage.

“It’s in the best interest of the owner to require training before starting the job,” said Wall. “At the least, the should follow their own strict policies from day one.”

EPPC uses the 21 Proof Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) curriculum, said Wall. There are other training programs out there, including training online.

“All staff including wait staff, door personnel, valet staff and owners and managers must be RBS certified,” she said. 

Servers and staff also must be re-certified every three years according to state law, Wall said. 

To offer this training locally and affordably, the EPPC will host three RBS trainings in the next year at a nominal fee of $25 per participant, she said. 

All trainings take place at East Providence City Hall, 145 Taunton Ave., from 9 am-to 1 pm.  The training dates:

• Tuesday September 10, 2013
• Tuesday January 7, 2014
• Tuesday June 3, 2014

During the 21 Proof RBS training, staff will learn identification checking, laws, assessing customer intoxication levels, skills for handling customers and refusing sales, said Wall. 

“Upon successful completion, staff will receive training manuals and required certification,” she said. 

EPPC is a citizens group dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles. The Coalition develops proactive strategies through collaboration with community partners in both the public and private sectors, she said. 

The coalition also has started working with the City Council to create stronger laws in East Providence given the recent sting that caught nine establishments serving underage drinkers. 

Eight of those businesses, including three repeat offenders, were fined up to $1,000 each. One liquor store, Brookfield Liquors, also was closed for several days, and one restaurant, East Buffet, lost its liquor license for at least 6 months as a three-time offender.

The servers also paid fines in Municipal Court. One of the servers was in her first week of work.

For more information or to sign up for a training session, contact the EPPC at 401-435-1923 or email jwall@cityofeastprov.com.