NEW SERVING IT RIGHT PROGRAM


After 18 years, BC’s responsible beverage service program, Serving It Right, has been updated with a new program launching June 1, 2007.
Highlights of the new Serving It Right (SIR) program:
• A single program replaces the existing Server and Licensee versions, both print and online.
• The 120-day grace period for those requiring a SIR certificate will be eliminated. SIR will now be a condition of employment and holding a licence.
• Existing SIR certificates will continue to be valid; only new applicants or servers taking on management duties will require the new program.
• A new servingitright.com website will replace the existing site on June 1. New manuals will be available at government liquor stores, government agents’ offices,  private liquor stores, select schools and career centres, and directly through go2.
There are no changes to the definition of people required to have a SIR certificate, which includes licensees, managers, bartenders, servers, private liquor store employees, and obtaining a Special Occasion Licence.
Serving It Right will continue to be delivered by go2. The program’s goal is to reduce alcohol-related problems by providing critical information on the effects of alcohol on people and techniques for preventing over-service. The new program places an increased emphasis on signs of intoxication, legal liability, duty of care on and off premises, and the necessity to create and enforce responsible beverage service policies.
The decision to substantially update the existing program was made following the program’s evaluation in 2005 and 2006 by representatives of the hospitality industry and the provincial government. The new program has been reviewed and endorsed by ABLE, BCYHA, CRFA, and BCRFA.
For more information, visit www.go2hr.ca and click on “Serving It Right”.