MDATC Gives Free Server Training in KC

The Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control is responsible for protecting the public from harm because of alcohol or tobacco. They regulate sales of alcohol and are tasked with keeping organized crime out of the supply chain. They also test for adulterants or toxins in alcoholic beverages. The regulation of tobacco and sales to minors is a newly added function.

As part of this mandate, the MDATC holds periodic training sessions for licensees and their employees. The latest was held in December in Kansas City. According to their website, about 130 people attended, representing bar and restaurant owners, mangers and frontline staff.

The training includes best practices for checking age, whether a patron is already drunk and current laws concerning alcohol and tobacco. Under their new mandate to police tobacco laws, they warn retailers, “It is your responsibility to learn the Federal laws restricting the sale and distribution of a tobacco product, including restrictions on the access to, and the advertising and promotion of, cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products.”

To further aid this duty, the MDATC offers free, online educational webinars. Contact information to find out about upcoming sessions can be found here. The schedule for 2012 has not been posted, but a phone number is provided for information.

The 90 minute webinars offer a great opportunity to get the latest information and a way for employers to train their employees at no cost. All that is needed is a computer and enough seats so that everyone can see the screen.

Since bar or restaurant owners may be liable for the mistakes their employees make regarding alcohol sales, it behooves management to get their workers proper training. The same is true of retailers who sell tobacco products.