Qualitative assessment of training programs for alcohol servers and establishment managers

Objective. In an attempt to reduce the societal burden associated with alco hol-related problems such as underage drinking and drunk driving, some loca l communities and state governments mandate training programs for employees of establishments that serve or sell alcoholic beverages. This study was d esigned to assess the available training programs for employees and manager s and to identify stales that either mandate training programs or encourage them by reducing establishments' legal liability. Methods, Training programs were identified through the Internet, key inform ants, and the research literature. Three researchers independently rated ea ch of 22 local and national programs across IO categories, in addition, the authors surveyed alcoholic beverage control agencies and legislative resea rch bureaus in the 50 U.S. states. Results. The results show that training programs are not standardized and v ary widely in content, use of behavior change methods, and production quali ty. Most programs targeted waitstaff and bartenders. Only one program exclu sively targeted owners and managers. Conclusions. National standards must be developed for training programs for servers, managers, and owners.