Center hosts successful training

NEWTON — Twenty nine local servers and sellers of alcohol attended a TiPs responsible beverage server training on Monday, March 13, sponsored by The Coalition for Healthy and Safe Communities.
Ayla Bower, Tina Aue and Annmarie Shafer of The Center for Prevention and Counseling (CFPC) in Newton, all certified TiPs trainers, instructed participants to recognize and address drunk patrons and identify underage drinkers with appropriate measures encouraging a responsible, safe and successful establishment. Most attending were familiar with some kind of beverage server training but also agreed that TiPS trainings are always really helpful to review and improve their skills. Participants were tested after the training which included watching video examples of scenarios, role playing with each other and discussing actual situations that they have experienced.
Another recommendation of the training is for establishments to purchase and keep a “logbook” where every employee records information about their shift. In the event of any concerns about customers, this logbook verifies that the staff and business took every step to reasonably address the situation responsibly. One attendee mentioned that being able to include their TiPs certification on a job application helped him stand out when being considered for employment. TiPS certification cards, which are valid for three years, are mailed to each participant’s home after their tests are graded through Health Communications Inc.
The 29 attendees at this very successful training represented eleven local establishments and organizations including The Boathouse, Swartswood; Newton Country Club, Newton; Skyview Golf Club, Sparta; Double S Diner, Sussex; Double S Smokehouse, Branchville; St. Moritz Grill & Bar, Lake Mohawk; Lenape Lodge, Newton; The Mohawk House, Sparta; Shop Rite; The Sussex Queen Diner, Sussex and the New Jersey State Fair, Augusta. Since 2008, The Coalition for Healthy and Safe Communities has been conducting TiPs trainings as part of their mission to reduce underage drinking in Sussex County.
The next TiPS training will be held on Friday, April 21, 2017, at The Branchville American Legion with sponsorship from the Central Municipal Alliance, a program of the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (GCADA). If you are an owner or manager of a business in Sussex County and would like more information or would like to host or RSVP for a TiPS training, please contact Ayla Bower of The Coalition for Healthy and Safe Communities at ayla@centerforprevention.org or call (973)383-4787 Ext. 251.