The deadline for alcohol servers in California to undergo a state-certified training known as Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) is Wednesday, and thousands have recently been certified, according to the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC).
Ahead of the Aug. 31 deadline, the agency announced that over 300,000 alcohol servers and managers who work at on-sale premises licensed by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) have registered. Assembly Bill 1221, also known as the Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Training Program Act of 2017 trains how to serve and when not to.
Jennifer Hill, regional director for ABC in San Diego, says the training provides a sense of security for business owners, staff, and consumers.
“Responsible Beverage Service training is a step toward creating safer, more informed environments. When everyone is on the same page about alcohol service, we can reduce any potential harms and prevent issues before they arise,” said Hill.
According to San Diego County, About Seven San Diegans are injured daily in motor vehicle crashes involving impaired driving. In April, San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan, and other community partners supported Vision Zero, a county-wide initiative to reduce DUI fatalities to zero by 2025.
DA Stephan’s office reported that in 2021, nearly 40 fatalities were caused by people driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The figure surpasses the 33 fatalities reported in 2020 and more than doubles the 18 deaths in 2019.
“Responsible Beverage Service Training will help prevent underage drinking and alcohol-related traffic collisions throughout the state and can help make communities safer for all Californians,” said ABC Director Eric Hirata. “ABC’s goal is to gain statewide compliance with the new law. The Department will take an educational approach towards businesses who have not met the requirement.”
Visit the ABC's Responsible Beverage Service Portal to learn more about the training program.
