SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 6495

                    AS OF FEBRUARY 1, 1994

Brief Description:  Creating an alcohol server training program.

SPONSORS: Senator Prentice

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR & COMMERCE

Staff:  Traci Ratzliff (786‑7452)

Hearing Dates: February 4, 1994

BACKGROUND:

Currently, individuals who participate in the sale or service of alcoholic beverages at establishments licensed to sell such beverages for on or off site consumption are not required to participate in any type of formal training in the service of alcoholic beverages, the effects of alcohol on consumers or the state laws pertaining to the service of alcohol.  The Liquor Control Board does provide, on a limited basis, voluntary training of alcohol servers for those establishments requesting such training.

It is suggested that all individuals responsible for the sale or service of alcohol to consumers should be required to participate in mandatory alcohol server training programs and be certified by the state to assure greater protection to the public from individuals who have a propensity for over-imbibing and then attempting to drive.

SUMMARY:

The original bill was not considered.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The Liquor Control Board shall administer a mandatory alcohol server training program.  All individuals involved in the sale or service of liquor for on or off site consumption are required to take this training. 

Approved training programs must include the following information: the effects of alcohol on the body; the interaction effects of alcohol with other drugs; problem drinking and alcoholism; state alcohol service laws; drinking and driving laws in Washington; effective server intervention techniques for customers who are drinking too much; alcohol marketing practices for alcohol service.

The Liquor Control Board is authorized to approve training programs developed by licensees, or other individuals or organizations that meet the required elements of the mandatory training program; however, an additional fee cannot be charged to individuals required to take the mandated training provided by such individuals.  Licensees, individuals, or organizations are not prohibited from developing more advanced server training programs and offering such programs to employees on a voluntary, fee for service basis.

The Liquor Control Board shall offer the option of providing live classroom training, videotaped training or a combination of these two.  The board must make copies of the videotape available for a nominal fee which covers the cost of reproducing the tape.

Retail liquor licensees or manufacturer's with retail privileges shall pay $25 to fund the mandatory alcohol server training program.

After July 1, 1996, liquor licensees are prohibited from employing individuals involved in the sale or service of alcohol without the employee having taken the mandatory alcohol server training.  Licensees may employ individuals without the required training if the employee is trained within 14 days of beginning employment.

After July 1, 1996, individuals participating in the sale or service of alcohol must have completed the mandatory alcohol server training and obtained the appropriate certificate from the Liquor Control Board.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  yes

Fiscal Note:   requested

Effective Date:  July 1, 1995