Ohio – New laws under consideration by Ohio legislators might mandate state-approved training courses for every person serving alcohol in bars and restaurants. Aimed at improving the accountability and safety of alcohol consumption, this action has attracted interest from neighborhood businesses and advocacy groups.
The proposed law, known as House Bill 504, would require thorough training covering a broad spectrum of issues vital to alcohol service for liquor permit holders and staff members. A Columbus Dispatch story claims that the necessary training would cover knowledge of alcohol sales rules, prevention of sales to minors, identification of indicators of excessive use, and handling of disputes in alcohol-related circumstances.
One special feature of this measure is the legal immunity this bill provides to qualified staff members. Should liquor permit holders and their employees follow the recommended procedures and finish the training, they would be protected against claims involving personal injury, death, or property damage.
A sad event involving 25-year-old soccer coach Hayden Kaiser, who passed away in 2021 following a car accident, has prompted the need for this legal amendment. Kaiser had a bar tab of $170 before the crash, which sparked debate regarding the alcohol intake control by service personnel. State Rep. Gail Pavliga, the lawmaker who introduced the bill, highlighted the need of improved education and training for alcohol servers to stop such tragedies happening in the future.
The Ohio Restaurant & Hospitality Alliance supports voluntary participation in programs like ServSafe alcohol certification, which offers similar training but is not currently required by law. In the meantime, they are evaluating the consequences of House Bill 504. The alliance’s communications manager, Jennifer Bushby, emphasized the need of continuous education for the hospitality industry.
Some local businesses have voiced concerns about the expenses and program efficacy even if the suggested training has possible advantages. Many companies already do voluntary training courses including TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures) and are wondering whether more mandatory training is really necessary.
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Balancing the objectives of public safety with the practicalities of implementation for Ohio’s hospitality sector will be vital as the bill passes through the legislative process. Aiming finally to lower alcohol-related incidents and improve community safety, the result could establish a precedent for how the distribution of alcohol is controlled and managed across the state.