VICTORIA – 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.
“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,” said Coralee Oakes, Minister Responsible for Liquor.
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.
