The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (EI) has revised its responsible alcohol service seminar, Controlling Alcohol Risks Effectively® (CARE), with new and expanded content, additional activities and discussion questions, updated instructor materials with a new, easy-to-use format, and a new training DVD that was filmed at the Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The new DVD features several new training scenarios as well as updated versions of alcohol service scenarios presented in the earlier version.

Other updates to the program include more detailed information on checking IDs; new content covering mini-bars, room service, and self-service gift shops that sell alcohol; and additional information on products that affect the body's absorption of alcohol, such as energy drinks, herbal remedies, and medication. To meet various state requirements, the program also includes information on tobacco. Program revisions include items that have become a focus of media attention, such as underage alcohol consumption in guestrooms.

"It has been found that persons over the age of 18 but under the age of 21 are renting rooms to host parties where they order and consume alcohol from room service. This is featured in our program. We discuss the signs to look for and strategies for denying guestroom alcohol service to minors," explained EI instructional designer Victor Arguelles.

CARE for Servers is a one-day seminar that prepares servers with the proper knowledge of how to handle the challenges of responsible alcohol service. During the program servers learn to:

  • Effectively monitor and control guests' alcohol consumption
  • Tactfully intervene before problems arise
  • Carry out their establishment's ID-checking policies and spot false identification
  • Handle minors according to their operation's specific policies
  • Understand the laws in their state specifically and how they affect their procedures

The program's components include a Manager/Trainer Guide, Server Training Video, Sample Server's Manual, and Sample Pocket Guide. Properties purchase server manuals and pocket guides for each trainee, who must pass an EI-graded final exam with a score of 84% or higher in order to receive the CARE certificate and training verification card.

"Serving alcohol responsibly is an important aspect of hospitality," said Robert L. Steele III, CHA, president and COO of the Educational Institute. "The extensive revisions to EI's Controlling Alcohol Risks Effectively® seminar will ensure that employees who go through the program have the knowledge and skills they need to be confident alcohol servers."

The English print version of the revised CARE for Servers program will be available in mid-November. The Spanish version, online version, and revision of the CARE for Guest Contact Staff are still in development. For information on the new edition of Controlling Alcohol Risks Effectively® (CARE), contact the Educational Institute at 1.800.349.0299 or +1.407.999.8100. CARE is not available through EI's online store.

About the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI)

Established in 1953 as the nonprofit education and training arm of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), AHLEI's mission is to be the preferred provider of quality resources to educate, develop, and certify hospitality educators, students and professionals worldwide. AHLEI became part of the National Restaurant Association" Training & Certification division in 2017, connecting and leveraging the resources of two organizations that are deeply committed to a vision of career success and upward mobility for current and future hospitality, restaurant, and food service employees.

Elizabeth Johnson
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