Coalition training servers statewide
The Coalition to Promote Responsible Alcohol Service is off and running hard, according to responsible server trainer Jeff Hainline who is heading the group's sessions.
Hainline said turnout for a recent training in Kalispell was unexpectedly high, and that as a result, another session would be offered there in the immediate future. He added that feedback from trained servers is always positive and appreciative.
"Many of these folks remark that they learn a lot about the responsibilities that come with their jobs," Hainline, "especially about their legal responsibilities and liabilities."
Hainline said he also wanted the public to understand that these training regimens are not new and have been available and used here for more than two decades. The business association coalition supporting and promoting the training is new, having formed in October of this year.
"This industry gold-standard training is designed to teach employees of licensed alcohol establishments how to avoid selling to, or serving, underage people, as well as how to serve alcohol responsibly to adults," Hainline said.
He said other social actions can be taken to reduce the problem of underage access to alcohol beverage, especially more parental vigilance of alcohol within their own homes, and discouraging adult family members and friends from providing alcohol to youth.
"Recent studies suggest almost 70 percent of the alcohol obtained by minors came from of-age family and friends," Hainline said. In addition, he said he was optimistic more law enforcement resources will be brought to bear on catching and citing adults who provide alcohol to minors.
Using "stings" to catch "bootleggers" who buy for youth, and the subsequent embarrassing publicity, could be quite productive in curbing the problem, Hainline said.
These trainings were conducted in November:
Nov. 16, Monday, Great Falls, Holiday Inn, 400 10th Ave. South, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Nov. 19, Thursday, Bozeman, Bozeman Chamber, 2000 Commerce Way (Corner of Baxter Lane and 19th) 1-4 p.m.
Nov. 24, Tuesday, Butte, Butte Public Library (226 W. Broadway),1-4 p.m.
These trainings are scheduled for December with more in the pipeline:
Dec. 2, Wednesday, Missoula, Westside Lanes (1615 Wyoming) 1-4 p.m.
Dec. 9, Wednesday, Helena, Montana Tavern Association Office (920 E.Lyndale) 1-4 p.m.
Dec. 16, Wednesday, Billings, Intermountain Distributing (1010 Intermountain Street which is off the Frontage Road 1 mile East of Exit 447 off I-90) 1-4 p.m.
Licensees who wish to enjoy the benefits of a well trained staff (insurance discounts, a more favorable violation penalty schedule, fewer violations and a better-served public) can contact Hainline for information on future classes in your area, or to sign up staff for the coming sessions, by calling his office at 406-203-4121 or call his cell at 406-546-5306.
Interested persons can also contact their coalition trade association:
Montana Convenience Store Association: Ronna Alexander; 449-4133
Montana Restaurant Association: Jeff Hainline; 203-4121
Gaming Industry Association of Montana: Neil Peterson; 449-2481
Montana Beer and Wine Distributors' Association: Kristi Blazer; 235-4000
Montana Food Distributors Association: McKee Anderson; 800-735-1082
Montana Retail Association: Brad Griffin; 800-388-0236
Montana Tavern Association: Bob Anderson; 442-5040
Montana Innkeepers Association: Stuart Doggett; 449-8408