Online training unveiled for alcoholic beverage servers

The Delaware Restaurant Association, in partnership with the Office of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner and Delaware Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement, is now offering an online version of Alcoholic Beverage Server Training Course for those who sell, handle and serve alcohol in Delaware. The server training program, mandated by the OABCC, requires certification for license holders, wholesalers, retailers and service staff in the food service industry.

"Our industry has long requested an online version of this training, and we have developed a convenient, mobile training option that is available 24/7. This is an important step forward for our industry and will encourage even more people to earn their certification, leading to a safer and more informed service staff in Delaware," said Carrie Leishman, president and CEO, Delaware Restaurant Association. Currently, over 9,000 industry professionals receive certifications from DATE officers during responsible alcohol training classes each year. The association anticipates that many will begin taking the online class as a more convenient option for certification. The restaurant industry in Delaware currently employs nearly 50,000 workers - 10 percent of the state's workforce - many of them required under OABCC guidelines to obtain this certification.

"It has been a pleasure to partner with the DRA to bring responsible Alcoholic Beverage Server Training online to Delaware. DATE has offered this mandatory training for over 25 years, and we are excited to expand the training program by offering an affordable, innovative format that will allow easier, more convenient access to employees, owners and managers statewide," said John Yeomans, director, Delaware Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement.

To register, go to www.schoox.com/academy/DelawareRestaurantAssocition/register. For more information, go to www.delawarerestaurant.org and www.date.delaware.gov.