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New Illinois Server Training Law Effective July 1


State currently offering FREE responsible beverage server classes

SPRINGFIELD—(ENEWSPF)–March 24, 2015.  New regulations will take effect impacting all Beverage Alcohol Sellers/Servers Education & Training (BASSET) trainees throughout the state, as well as Cook County bars and restaurants.

Beginning on July 1, 2015 all current and future BASSET cardholders will need to renew their certification every three years. In addition, all Cook County servers and “bouncers” (ie, those whose job description entails the checking of identification when alcohol is consumed on the premises) must be trained and certified. 

“Why did the hospitality industry support these new measures? Simply put, having a professionally-trained staff is good for business,” says Education Manager Ted Penesis for the Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC). “This is especially critical during tough economic times. But even more importantly, BASSET is designed to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the general public.”

To ease the transition for BASSET trainees and liquor establishments, monetary penalties for non-compliance with the new provisions will commence in January.

Updated procedures for BASSET providers, trainees

Also easing the transition is the ILCC’s development of a new sales/server certification database, which will allow BASSET cardholders to access and print their certification via a secured BASSET Card Lookup system on the ILCC website. Once registered, BASSET cardholders will have the ability to print out their card at no cost.

Additionally, the improved procedure will enable liquor retailers to instantly check on a potential hire’s BASSET certification status.

Free Cook County BASSET class schedule announced

To help increase compliance, beginning in mid-April, the ILCC will be holding a series of FREE BASSET classes throughout Cook County.  “BASSET courses often cost as much as $50 or more, so we anticipate reaching full capacity at all our free sites,” adds Penesis.

To learn more about BASSET, register for one of the free classes, view intervention strategies via ILCC-produced videos in both English and Spanish, and more, please visit the BASSET home page at www.illinois.gov/ILCC/basset.

FREE Cook County BASSET Class Schedule

To register for any listed class, visit the Illinois Liquor Control Commission’s website at ILCC.illinois.gov and click on the “Calendar” tab. Limit one class per person. All classes conducted in English, unless otherwise indicated.

• Mon-Tue, April 13-14, 1-5pm (must attend both days) on Chicago’s Near South Side (Chinatown)
Two Chinese language classes: Cantonese and Mandarin

• Wed, April 22, 10am-2pm on Chicago’s Northwest Side (Hermosa neighborhood)

• Wed-Thu, April 22-23, Noon-4pm (must attend both days) on Chicago’s Near South Side (Chinatown)

• Thu, April 23, 6-10pm in Southern Cook County (Glenwood)

• Mon, April 27, 10am-2pm on Chicago’s North Side (Wrigleyville neighborhood)

• Mon, April 27, 5:30-9:30pm in Far Southern Cook County (Matteson)

• Tue, April 28, 6-10pm in Far Southern Cook County (Matteson)

• Wed, April 29, 11am-3pm in Far Southern Cook County (Matteson)

• Tue, May 5, Noon-4pm in Southwestern Cook County (Orland Park)

• Wed, May 6, 10am-2pm on Chicago’s Northwest Side (Hermosa neighborhood)
Two classes: English and Spanish

• Thu, May 7, Noon-4pm in Southwestern Cook County (Orland Park)

• Tue, May 12, 2-6pm in Chicago’s Near Northwest Suburbs (Harwood Heights)

• Wed, May 13, 10am-2pm in Chicago’s Near Northwest Suburbs (Harwood Heights)

• Thu, May 14, 1-5pm on Chicago’s Southwest Side (Back-of-the-Yards neighborhood)
Spanish class only

• Sat, May 16, 10am-2pm in Chicago’s Near South Suburbs (Dolton)

• Mon, May 18, Noon-4pm in Chicago’s Near South Suburbs (Skokie)

• Tue, May 19, 9am-1pm in Northern Cook County (Wheeling)

• Wed, May 20, 10am-2pm in Northwestern Cook County (Des Plaines)

• Thu, May 21, 9am-1pm and 2-6pm in Western Cook County (Westchester)
Two classes conducted in both English and Spanish

• Thu, May 28, 11am-3pm in Far Northwestern Cook County (Hanover Park)

Schedule is subject to change. Additional classes may be added. To receive scheduling updates, please subscribe to the free ILCC eNews service located at the top of the ILCC.illinois.gov website.

Source: illinois.gov


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