Center to offer free TIPS training

The Center for Prevention and Counseling will be offering a free TIPS Responsible Beverage Server training for all establishment staff on Thursday, Dec. 12, from 9:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. at The Center, 65 Newton Sparta Road, Newton.

In addition, we have added a new enhancement to the training by providing complimentary technical assistance to enhance establishments in-house policies for managers and owners. For owners and managers who are already TIPs trained and want to inquire about the technical assistance, it will be held at the end of the TIPS training at 2 p.m.

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; legal protection in third-party liquor liability lawsuits, TIPS provides a ‘reasonable efforts defense;’ insurance discounts as many insurance companies provide discounts to establishments whose employees are TIPS-certified; enhanced community standing - TIPS leads the way in framing the debate about responsible 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.

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.