Serving alcohol at events isn’t always fun – it can actually get quite challenging – which is why government is ensuring that event servers have specific training to deal with tough liquor service scenarios.

A new Special Event Server training program (SES) is now available at www.specialeventserver.com for licence holders, managers and servers – paid or volunteer – at all special occasion licensed events with less than 500 guests.

The course, which takes around one hour to complete, was created with health and safety at special events in mind – delivering on a Liquor Policy Review commitment. In an effort to increase alcohol awareness and social responsibility, trainees will learn their legal responsibilities, along with strategies for dealing with challenging situations – including how to spot intoxication and when to stop serving.

Beginning Sept. 15, 2015, everyone who serves or sells alcohol in B.C. is required to have either completed the SES training or the more in-depth Serving It Right (SIR) certification, and will need to renew their training every five years. This will include, for the first time, all servers in B.C.’s more than 5,600 licensed restaurants, as well as staff at BC Liquor Stores, rural agency and wine stores.

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Quotes:

Coralee Oakes, Minister Responsible for Liquor –

“We want to keep British Columbians safe when they are attending special events – and we can help do that by ensuring that the people serving alcohol are not only aware of their legal responsibilities, but are prepared to handle uncomfortable situations, should they arise.

“The reality is, cutting someone off can be difficult, but sometimes it needs to be done. By learning to spot the warning signs for intoxication, and having the tools to deal with someone who may want another drink but shouldn’t have one, we are helping to protect the public and set event servers up for success.”

John Yap, Parliamentary Secretary for Liquor Reform –

“More than one third of all my recommendations coming out of the Liquor Policy Review were focused on the health and safety of British Columbians – and this new program is a solid step in that direction to help with the education process for event servers, managers and licensees.

“Not only do we want to ensure that patrons ordering drinks stay safe, we want to make certain that the thousands of people employed and volunteering in the service industry have the tools they need to do their job effectively – and this training will make sure everyone is on the same page.”

Dr. Tim Stockwell, director of the Centre for Addictions Research of BC –

“Ensuring that everyone who serves alcohol understands the risks and responsibilities associated with their job, and with alcohol consumption, is an important part of government’s responsibility as it reforms B.C.’s liquor laws. Continued emphasis is needed on protecting health and safety at events where liquor is served to minimise alcohol-related injuries and crime in and around licensed premises.”

Arlene Keis, go2HR CEO –

“The new Special Event Server program is a condensed course geared toward liquor service at special events like community fairs, weddings, and festivals. We are giving event servers the tools and training they need to ensure that they fully understand their responsibilities as a liquor server – something that go2HR is extremely dedicated to providing.”

Quick Facts:

• The SES training is delivered by go2HR – B.C.’s tourism industry human resources association and server training administrator – at a cost of $20, based on a cost-recovery model.
• This course is offered at a discounted rate from the full Serving It Right course, which costs $35 when done online, or $40 for the paper version.

Learn More:

To learn about who needs Special Event Server (SES) certification and who needs Serving It Right (SIR), please visit: http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/lclb/docs-forms/sir-2015-changes.pdf

SES and SIR are self-study courses offered by go2HR and teach serving tips and the legal obligations of those who sell and serve liquor in B.C.: https://www.go2hr.ca/

Expansion and enhancement of SIR: https://news.gov.bc.ca/stories/liquor-updates-encourage-social-responsibility