Approved Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Training Program. The alcohol servers and managers will then need to take an exam provided by the California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). The a few answers from the ABC can be found here
What is the definition of an alcohol server under AB 1221?
An alcohol server, as defined under AB-1221 includes anyone who does any of the following:
- Checks customer identification for purposes of alcoholic beverage service or entry to an ABC on-premises licensed establishment;
- Takes customer alcoholic beverage orders;
- Pours alcoholic beverages for customers; or
- Delivers alcoholic beverages to customers.
Is RBS training mandatory and do I need a certificate to serve alcohol in California?
RBS training under the requirements of CA Assembly Bill 1221 will become mandatory on July 1, 2022. The implementations date was modified by Assembly Bill 82. This new state mandate will require on-premises alcoholic beverage servers and their managers to successfully complete an ABC approved RBS training program and exam no later than August 31, 2022.
Currently, RBS training is only required if your local government mandates it. If you are required to take an RBS class for employment, please access the RBS Portal to search for a Department Authorized training provider and approved program.
Why did the implementation date for the mandatory RBS training change from July 2021 to July 2022?
On June 29, 2020, Assembly Bill 82 was passed into law, which amended the required implementation date of AB-1221 from July 1, 2021 to July 1, 2022.
What are the regulations pertaining to RBS?
The regulations have been incorporated into the California Code of Regulations, Title 4, Article 25, Sections 160-173, the regulations are currently in effect and govern how the RBSTP will be implemented. The Regulations were finalized in May of 2020. Interested Parties may request a copy of the regulations by emailing rbtsp@abc.ca.gov or by visiting our Approved Regulations page.
What is the definition of an alcohol manager under AB 1221?
A manager means any person who trains, directly hires, or oversees alcohol servers at an ABC licensed premises, or any person who trains alcohol servers how to perform the service of alcohol for consumption for an ABC on-premises licensee, including but not limited to, when to check identification or when to refuse service to a patron.
This definition specifically excludes an employee or contractor of another separate ABC licensee who is training alcohol servers for marketing or distribution purposes.