TIPS beverage service training planned

NEWTON — The Center for Prevention and Counseling will be offering a free tips Responsible Beverage Server training on Wednesday, Sept. 19, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at The Center, 65 Newton Sparta Road, Newton, N.J.
Wherever alcohol is sold, served or consumed, ensuring that employees are TIPS trained offers substantial benefits to establishments which include; minimizing property damage caused by intoxicated patrons; protecting bottom lines by reducing penalties for alcohol violations and legal protection in third-party liquor liability lawsuits. TIPS provides a ‘reasonable efforts defense;’ offering insurance discounts by many insurance companies who will provide discounts to establishments where employees are TIPS-certified. Being an establishment that encourages employees to be TiPS certified can enhance community standing by leading the way in framing the responsibility surrounding alcohol service and clarifying the distinction between drinking and drunkenness.
TIPS trainings teach servers how to prevent intoxication, underage drinking and drunk driving. Anyone who works at or for an establishment that serves alcohol in the area is recommended to attend, including managers, owners and staff. Session participants will become certified in the TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures) program and receive a TIPS certification card, valid for three years, after successful completion of the course. At a recent TIPS training, an attendee remarked, “The trainers were excellent, knowledgeable and fun! The information provided was helpful and the whole experience was extremely positive!”
TIPS trainings are recognized by over 70 insurance companies and can reduce premiums for owners of establishments where servers are certified. TIPS trainings enhance the people skills of the servers, sellers and consumers of alcohol. Program participants are trained by certified instructors to detect the signs of intoxication and gain the confidence needed to intervene effectively to prevent alcohol related problems. Participants also learn to identify underage people and people who are already intoxicated. The TIPS training enhances the skills of employees who, in turn, offer improved service to customers.
This certification course is made possible through the Coalition for Healthy and Safe Communities, a program of The Center for Prevention and Counseling. The training is free and registration is required. Contact: Ashley Brown at 973-383-4787 ext. 240 or email ashleyb@centerforprevention.org.