Feigenholtz Bill Requiring Responsible Alcohol Service Training Passes House

CHICAGO, Ill. – Last week, House Bill 5926, a measure introduced by state Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, D-Chicago, to ensure that alcohol servers in Cook County have basic training in responsible alcohol service and handling, was overwhelmingly approved by the Illinois House of Representatives and is headed to the Senate for review.

“Cook County has thousands of bars and restaurants that serve millions of people on a yearly basis,” said Feigenholtz. “The goal of this bill is make sure that all alcohol servers have essential, basic training that will help them handle difficult situations and keep their customers and the community safe.”

Under current Illinois law, individuals engaged in alcoholic service, such as bartenders and waitresses, are not required to go through any formal training in responsible alcohol service. Feigenholtz’s lakefront district includes Wrigley Field and one of the highest concentrations of bars, restaurants, and concert venues in Chicago.

Under HB5926, the State Liquor Commission will develop training modules and certificate programs focused on all aspects of responsible alcohol service, including: spotting signs of intoxication, preventing DUIs, stopping underage sales and underage drinking, and creating safer communities where alcohol is served.  After the law goes into effect on July 1, 2015, alcohol servers in Cook County would have 120 days to complete the training, which will be offered in classroom settings and online. Alcohol servers that have previously been issued a Beverage Alcohol Sellers and Servers Education and Training (BASSET) certificate will be automatically recertified. 

“This training gives establishments that serve alcohol and their employees the tools they need to do their part to help keep their patrons and the surrounding neighborhood safe,” said Feigenholtz. “This bill ensures that all members of Cook County's thriving hospitality industry are operating under the same best practices in responsible alcohol service.”

For more information, please contact Rep. Feigenholtz’s constituent service office at 773-296-4141, email sara@staterepsara.com, or visit www.staterepsara.com.