In a new step to prevent alcohol-related tragedies,Texas tries a new online responsible alcohol server and seller training program
ARLINGTON, Va., Jan. 8, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Health Communications, Inc. (HCI) today announced that eTIPS, an online responsible alcohol server and seller training program, is approved by and meets the requirements of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC).  While not required by law, the TABC encourages sellers, servers, and managers to be trained so they are better able to identify and prevent sales of alcoholic beverages to minors and intoxicated persons.
Many employers in Texas require TABC certification as a condition of employment because of the liability and administrative benefits of hiring certified personnel. The TABC-approved eTIPS course is a self-paced, innovative approach to alcohol server and seller training. It allows participants to obtain practical and valuable training anywhere and at any time. eTIPS participants who register with a Texas address will receive the TABC-approved training. Through interactive lessons, scenarios and quizzes, eTIPS gives servers the knowledge and confidence they need to recognize potential alcohol-related problems and teaches them to effectively intervene to prevent alcohol-related tragedies. Additionally, eTIPS can help licensees reduce exposure to alcohol liability lawsuits, lower insurance rates, and improve customer satisfaction.
In Texas, the TABC will not take administrative action against a license/permit when an employee sells or serves an alcoholic beverage to a minor or intoxicated customer, so long as several conditions are met:
- The person selling holds a current seller-server training certificate from a TABC approved school;
- the person selling is not the owner or an officer of the company;
- All employees engaged in the sale, service, or delivery of alcoholic beverages, as well as their immediate managers, are certified within 30 days of their hire date;
- The employer has written policies for responsible alcohol service and ensures that each employee has read and understands these policies;
- The employer does not directly or indirectly encourage the employee to violate the law; and
- There are not three or more of these types of violations in a twelve month period.
This relief is commonly referred to as “safe harbor.” If an illegal sale is made, the seller/server will probably be arrested, but the retailer’s permit/license will have protection from administrative action by the TABC.
To learn more about how eTIPS visit www.gettips.com.
