Selling and serving alcohol can be a hazardous practice if the staff is not adequately trained. Over-serving customers or serving alcohol to minors can result in serious consequences, including a complete shutdown of the business due to a momentary lapse in judgment.

The Florida legislature has set up a program called the “Responsible Vendor Training” program, which businesses can voluntarily participate in. By fulfilling the requirements of this program, businesses can ensure that their staff is well-trained to handle any situation that may arise. This will help in creating a safe and enjoyable experience for customers, while also keeping the business out of any potential legal troubles.

All establishments in Florida have the opportunity to protect themselves from criminal liability and loss of license by participating in the Florida Responsible Vendor Act. To qualify as a “Responsible Vendor,” a business must provide an alcohol training course for both employees and management. Each staff member must complete this training within 30 days of hire, and the course must cover specific topics as stated by the law.

These topics include:

• Florida alcohol laws and regulations
• How to spot underage patrons and properly check IDs
• The effects of alcohol on the body and mental abilities
• The dangers of drinking and driving
• The consequences for violating any laws or regulations, and their impact on both the employee and the establishment

The program also requires all licensees to hold employee meetings tri-annually to review the responsible service of alcohol and must post clearly visible signs on the premises stating their policy against serving underage or over-intoxicated customers and controlled substances.

View DBPR Responsible Vendors Brochure