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TIPS Training:
On December 4, 2008 TEAM Fort Collins offered the first inaugural free TIPS, Training for Intervention Procedures, to Responsible Alcohol Retailers (RAR) staff. TIPS is a nationally recognized training program that provides servers with the knowledge and confidence for preventing alcohol-related problems, such as recognizing fake IDs and refusing service to intoxicated customers. Two of the four TIPS training formats are available for free and on an ongoing basis for all active RAR members. Having staff TIPS trained is a huge benefit for alcohol retailers, as owners and managers may be assured that staff recognize the seriousness of preventing underage drinking and the over-serving of alcohol to of-age patrons.
ID Compliance Check Training:
All active RAR members participate in an ID compliance check training service. Subsidized by TEAM Fort Collins, the ID compliance checking service ensures that staff are consistently and accurately checking IDs for patrons who appear to be under 30 years of age by providing random visits to the members’ stores, bars, and restaurants. A green and red card system is used to indicate whether the server performed the ID compliance check according to policy. Management is notified of the results and action is taken to reward or better train employees. In using a ID compliance checking service, RAR members are taking staff training one step further by creating a culture that makes checking IDs the norm.
Safe Ways Home Cards:
For patrons who have not assigned a designated driver, RAR members actively provide information about safe ways to get home. RAR developed Safe Ways Home wallet cards that contain phone numbers, rates, hours of operation, and destination information for commercial and public transportation options that are available to community members. Since the inception of the Safe Ways Home cards in November 2006, 30,000 cards have been printed and distributed. The cards are continually updated to reflect changes in available transportation options.
RAR Priority Taxi Line:
RAR with Yellow Cab, the local taxi company, to further promote safety in the community. A RAR priority line allows RAR members to receive priority over all other calls that have been made into the taxi dispatch center. This provides a more efficient response time. Other innovative programs in partnership with Yellow Cab are currently under way.
Server Trainings:
Officer Bob Younger, Fort Collins’ Alcohol Compliance Enforcement Officer, provides regular RAR exclusive trainings, to ensure that RAR staff are knowledgeable about the diverse set of issues involved in serving alcohol. Examples of topics include identifying and managing intoxicated patrons, recognizing fake ID’s, etc. Officer Younger provides trainings often to accommodate staff turnover that is typical in the food service industry. |
