This blog has covered many DUI related topics, including laws, penalties for DUI offenses, and much more, from both the driver’s and law enforcement’s perspective. Now we are going to take a look at another side of the subject, namely the role of the alcohol server–that is, bartenders– and their roles and responsibilities before a DUI event even occurs.
Chances are, readers are aware of laws and news stories regarding accountability of alcohol providers, such as parents whose underage children consume alcohol at home parties, or hosts whose adult guests are overserved. These people carry more responsibility under current laws than in the past. If not to observe the law, then the hope would be that people generally would use common sense. But what if it’s your job, your business, to dispense alcohol?
In the state of Arizona, prospective bartenders must be certified by the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control. These candidates must undergo training, in classrooms or online, in several aspects of the serving business, including alcohol safety. This is known as Alcohol Serving Training, sometimes called TIPS Training.
What kinds of subjects are included in this safety program? Some are things that law enforcement officers also learn: the effects of alcohol on a person and recognizing the signs of impairment. Bartenders, since they are dispensing alcohol, must also know their legal responsibilities regarding public safety–such as estimating the blood alcohol level of a patron–in order to help prevent overserving and impaired driving.
When bad things happen, such as a DUI, some people look around for someone to blame. That’s why the laws continue to evolve and focus on awareness, responsibility, and accountability. If you have questions or legal issues regarding DUI situations, you can become better informed by speaking to an attorney at Zachary Law Group. We offer a FREE 30-minute case evaluation, to help provide answers to your questions. We are here to help if you need representation, and our clients know we have a unique team approach: we take on a problem and “Zach-It”! It’s better to look for help than to look for blame, so give us a call any time at 1-855-Zach-law.
