If you own or operate a liquor business in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, one thing is for sure: you’ve heard about RAMP (Responsible Alcohol Management Program) several times. One of the key issues that always come up in association with this certification is that there exists a difference between the certification (meant for the business itself), and training (meant for owners/managers and servers/sellers).
This article will help you understand this certification intimately to clear the confusion and ensure you’re set up for success in your establishment.
Quick Overview of the PLCB
To understand RAMP better, it’s important to know where it comes from: the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board’s (PLCB) Act 141 of 2000. The PLCB is a government regulatory institution in Pennsylvania whose main task is to regulate alcohol sales. Business operators in this industry can acquire a RAMP Certification through a reputable training provider like RocketCert to prove that all employees are trained adequately on the laws and best practices for working at bars and restaurants.
Though the RAMP Certification isn’t mandatory for all alcohol-serving establishments, it’s typically recommended for its legal protection and operation safety benefits.
What Requirements Must Be Met for RAMP Certification?
Business establishments that are interested in acquiring a RAMP certification have to meet four primary requirements. It’s crucial to note beforehand that undergoing the server/seller or owner/manager training alone won’t grant certification to the business or the individual who just completed the training.
With that in mind, here are the four prerequisites for acquiring a RAMP certification:
1. Owner/Manager Training
This is the training that anyone responsible for the daily operations and/or policies of the licensed establishment should get. It mainly targets the owners and managers of a bar or restaurant and aims to educate them in matters such as the creation of house policies and procedures that both the staff and the public should follow. It also includes elements of the server/seller training.
You will want to meet the following conditions as far as this training goes to quality for RAMP certification:
- Make sure that at least one of the owners or PLCB-approved managers takes this training.
- Take the training in a classroom setting (in-person) if you’re enrolling for the first time. After that, you can train either online (without an instructor), in a classroom (instructor required), or virtually (instructor required).
One more thing to keep in mind is that if you’re a newly-approved manager, you may be required to complete this training within 180 days depending on the type of your licence.
2. Seller/Server Training
All employees who check IDs or serve and sell alcohol should undergo this training. The main topics covered include how to verify IDs, manage customers responsibly, and identify signs of intoxication. Important factors to keep in mind concerning this training are:
- At least 50% of the staff handling alcoholic beverages must have this training before a RAMP certificate is issued.
- You have to maintain the 50% threshold rule to keep your certification.
- Anyone taking this training has to take an exam at the end of their training and score at least 80% to pass.
An important distinction to keep in mind is that after Aug 8, 2016, all employees who serve or sell alcohol and check IDs MUST complete the server/seller training within six months of being hired, unless they have completed the training before being hired.
3. New Employee Orientation
Each employee in your establishment must get an orientation within 30 days of hire. This ensures they understand the business’s policies on alcohol service as well as the legal requirements they must adhere to. Make sure they complete and sign the orientation form, and maintain an updated record of all the signed forms.
4. Signage
A business must display approved signs that keep consumers informed about the laws that guide alcohol services. There must be a minimum of 2 signs stating the forms of ID accepted and the duty to deny service to visibly intoxicated customers and minors. Also, make sure that the signs are visible to all patrons.
Get the Support Your Need to Acquire Your Certification
RAMP certification is an essential tool for any establishment that serves alcoholic beverages in Pennsylvania. In addition to helping you comply with state law, this certification will also promote a safer and responsible environment for both your staff and customers.
Making sure you understand the requirements for acquiring the certification fully will go a long way towards helping you go through the entire process with ease.
RocketCert not only aims to offer the training and exam resources you need to acquire your certification successfully but also all the support you may need during the process, thanks to a team of experts in this field. Visit RocketCert.com to learn more and view the different courses.
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