Tag Archives: hospitality workers

March 27, 2013 · 11:29 am

Alcoholic Beverage Service at Special Events – Are You Following the Law?

iStock_000010753481XSmallContrary to popular belief, Alcohol Awareness Cards ARE required for anyone selling or serving alcoholic beverages for any length of time, including special one-time events and the TAM® Card is the one you should have. We often receive calls asking if TAM Cards are needed for individuals who will be working to sell or serve alcoholic beverages for festivals, special weekend events, and similar situations. Even if you will only be working in this type of position for a short period of time, an Alcohol Awareness Card is still mandatory.

Taking it a step further, new and veteran TAM® Card holders alike should know that ID Checking, even at special events, is a huge responsibility. Room service, banquets, conventions, race tracks, quinceañeras, weddings, festivals, company picnics and celebrations, concession stands, and the list goes on! ID Checking at special events is absolutely imperative – are you following the letter of the law?

A recent news story out of Reno concerns ID checking at a local “wine walk” festival. An alarming 84% of businesses failed alcohol compliance checks during the event (KOLO). A common practice at many festivals and special events, such as this one, is to check for participant ID during event registration. The participant may receive a special arm band, badge, stamp, beverage glass, or other item that identifies them as a registered participant of legal drinking age. However, an event wristband does not relieve servers from verifying a customer is of age.

In the case of the recent Reno wine walk, purchase of a wristband and special wine glass was used to identify participants and allow them to sample wine from a variety of area restaurants. In cases such as this, it would be very easy for one individual of legal drinking age to purchase a wristband, but then give the wristband to an underage drinker. This scenario illustrates why it is important to ALWAYS check identification and should serve as a reminder that just because a participant may have a special event pass, that does not relieve the server from checking for photo ID.

The same holds true for special events such as weddings and other banquet events. Even if a wedding reception is “adults only”, a bartender should follow procedure to card anyone who appears to be 30 years of age or younger. It is better to be safe than sorry, and helps to keep underage guests safe.

For more information on TAM® Card Requirements, refer to our blog post, “Need a TAM® Card for the Busy Summer Season? A Rundown on Requirements.” Remember, remain vigilant, and always practice the Techniques of Alcohol Management in order to provide responsible beverage service. What other advice would you give regarding alcoholic beverage service during special events?

Resources

84% of Businesses Fail Underage Alcohol Compliance Check During Wine Walk – Kolo 8 News Now

© 2013 National Hospitality Institute®, TAM® of Nevada

Leave a Comment

Filed under Alcohol Education Cards, Alcohol Sales, Requirements

Tagged as , , , , , ,

April 17, 2012 · 12:39 pm

A Dangerous Cocktail – With Prom and Graduation around the Corner, Be Vigilant About Teen Drinking

TAM®-certified hospitality professionals know to always be alert and check IDs year round. However, they should be extra vigilant about preventing teenage drinking going into the spring party season. With both prom and graduation around the corner, some teenagers will be trying to obtain alcoholic beverages through a variety of methods including using fake or borrowed IDs, asking other patrons to purchase liquor for them and even stealing alcoholic beverages when they think no one is looking.

Peer pressure is a constant concern among young people. Teens want to fit in, and alcohol is not only easily accessible to many, it can also contribute to the party atmosphere at end of the school year celebrations. A report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration indicates that 51% of 18-20 year olds in Nevada have engaged in underage drinking within the past month, and 36% have engaged in binge drinking within the last month (SAMHSA). What can you do to help prevent underage drinking and keep things safe?

Reduce the availability of alcoholic beverages to underage drinkers by checking identification carefully or for anyone who appears to be under the age of 30. Always be vigilant about checking identification. Completing your alcohol awareness training with TAM® of Nevada will teach you tips and techniques for spotting fake or borrowed identification.

Off-premise sales professionals should also remain vigilant about alcohol sales. Make sure that ‘alcopops’ such as Four Loko which are popular with teens and sold off-premise are displayed in areas dedicated to alcoholic beverages, not in the soft drink section. Many of these drinks can be easily confused for non-alcoholic energy drinks on quick glance, and it just makes it easier on everyone involved to keep them separate.

A new study suggests that approximately 25% of teen drinkers obtain alcohol from a parent or other family member (MADD). Clerks and cashiers don’t necessarily know that if they sell beer and liquor to a legal adult, the adult won’t provide that liquor to teenagers, but using your best judgment and following store procedures will help to keep things safe and legal. Remember to report any suspicious behavior or activity among patrons to your supervisor or manager.

Be an example to others by promoting safe beverage policies. You can set an example among your coworkers and young people by making it clear that you think underage drinking is NOT ok. In addition to checking identification and keeping a close eye on all patrons, also consider displaying signage in your store or bar announcing that purchasers of alcohol will be carded.

What policies have you instituted at your organization to deter teen drinking?

Resources

© 2012 National Hospitality Institute®, TAM® of Nevada

2 Comments

Filed under Alcohol Awareness, ID Checking

Tagged as , , , , , , ,

February 14, 2012 · 12:22 pm

Is Your Staff in Need of Alcohol Awareness Training? TAM® Offers On-Site Classes for Nevada Businesses

Over 200,000 hospitality and service workers are employed in Clark County, most of whom are required, by state law, to receive alcohol awareness training and carry an Alcohol Education Card. How many of them work for you?

Employers have a duty to ensure that all of their employees are properly trained in responsible alcohol beverage service prior to their start of work. Want to take the hassle out of staying on top of those training requirements? TAM of Nevada offers special onsite alcohol awareness classes for groups and companies, and we’ll make sure your staff is trained the right way. You want to reduce their risk of liability and make sure their staff is trained on how to properly serve and sell alcoholic beverages while providing excellent customer service. Want to know if our training solutions might be right for your company?

  1. Do you have dozens or hundreds of employees who are working day, afternoon and evening shifts? With employees working a variety of different schedules, you can ensure that everyone receives convenient training on-site at your location at convenient times. Beginning in 2011, TAM® began offering on-site alcohol education courses at Walmart® locations throughout the Las Vegas area. Walmart® contacted TAM® about the best way to ensure all of their employees were able to obtain their mandatory TAM® Cards. TAM® of Nevada worked with Walmart® to implement training for employees with different work schedules and who lived in several different areas all around Las Vegas. Now all Walmart® employees benefit from training scheduled on-site at their work location several times throughout the year.
  2. If you have staff outside of Las Vegas, TAM® of Nevada can save students a trip to our Training Center. We offer a variety of options that has your staff taught with one uniform training program to meet all state requirements. Whether you prefer employees receive training at your Clark County business, or private group sessions at our official training center, we can tailor a program to meet your needs. TAM’s capable instructors are available to hold regular classes and proctor exams at your facility, at your convenience. We can also arrange to issue TAM® cards on location depending on the number of students and scheduling requirements. For example, we recently launched alcohol awareness classes for Smith’s® employees in Mesquite, NV, and are preparing to provide required training for over 100 students on-site.
  3. With enforcement efforts on the rise, why risk having trouble with something like alcohol awareness training? Local police agencies in Nevada have been increasing their decoy operations and busting establishments and their employees for selling alcohol to minors. Additionally, if someone is busted serving alcohol to a minor, one of the first things law enforcement may do is check their alcohol awareness card to verify that it is valid. Remember, not all alcohol awareness training is created equal. We can evaluate your staff’s current status to make sure everyone is in compliance and holds a valid alcohol education card. In a recent article from KTNV detailing a February decoy operation in Henderson, seven clerks at various locations were busted for selling to a minor. The article notes that not only were employees issued citations which can result in up to 6 months in jail and a $1000 fine, owners or managers of a business that fails a second or third time can also be issued a citation and could face the revocation of their business license. Check out our recent blog post, “Over Half of Reno Bars Visited in Alcohol Compliance Check Busted for Serving Minors. Are You Checking for I.D.?” for additional details on a recent decoy operation.

TAM® of Nevada has been tailoring training to meet corporate client needs since its inception. Please contact us today to learn more or to arrange training for your facility.

Resources

7 Henderson Businesses Cited for Selling Alcohol to Minors – KTNV

© 2012 National Hospitality Institute®, TAM® of Nevada

2 Comments

Filed under Alcohol Awareness, Alcohol Education Cards, Alcohol Sales

Tagged as , , , , , ,

December 13, 2011 · 8:33 am

Over Half of Reno Bars Visited in Alcohol Compliance Check Busted for Serving Minors. Are You Checking for I.D.?

Sellers and servers of alcohol in Washoe and Clark counties are required to complete alcohol education and obtain an alcohol awareness card prior to the start of work. If an undercover officer came to your place of employment today to check the status of alcohol awareness card holders, would you be in compliance? If a younger patron came into your establishment and ordered a drink, would you ask to see their identification? This past Saturday Reno Police visited 32 establishments around Reno, Nevada and of those visited, 18 were busted for serving alcoholic beverages to minors in a decoy operation (Reno Gazette Journal). This serves as a reminder to TAM® Card holders to always ask to see I.D. for anyone who appears to be 35 years old or younger, and to follow company procedure and local laws for safe beverage service.

Establishments need to be diligent in requiring staff to check ID’s when making alcohol sales. Every establishment needs policies and procedures to prevent underage persons from obtaining alcohol, and to protect themselves from liability, and the public from harm. Decoy operations are not just used to catch those selling alcohol to minors, they can also be used to check the validity of your alcohol education card and whether it is expired.

Remember, selling alcohol to a minor is a very serious offense. TAM® of Nevada provides alcohol awareness training which covers all aspects of furnishing alcohol to a minor, and provides training on spotting fake IDs. Contact us today to sign up for online or classroom-based alcohol awareness training. Service professionals must be aware of the facts and dangers of teenage drinking and diligent about checking identification.

Additionally, if you are busted serving alcohol to a minor, one of the first things law enforcement and your employer may do is look at your alcohol education card. Not all training is created equal; completing your alcohol awareness course with TAM® of Nevada shows you’re serious about obtaining the best alcohol education possible.

Don’t put yourself at risk, always ask for identification, and get educated on effective ways to help stop teen drinking.

Resources

Did Police Play the Grinch with an Alcohol Sting During Saturday’s Santa Pub Crawl in Reno?

© 2011 National Hospitality Institute®, TAM® of Nevada

2 Comments

Filed under Alcohol Education Cards, Alcohol Sales

Tagged as , , , , , , ,

September 6, 2011 · 7:48 am

Laying the Foundations for Success: Building Repeat Bar Business

Building repeat business is crucial to the success of any bar or restaurant. It’s not enough to impress your guests when they visit; the overall goal is to make sure they come back, again and again! You only get one chance to make a first impression, so make sure it’s a solid one.

Nightclub & Bar recently released a blog post, “Seven Steps to Building Repeat Business,” and we here at TAM® of Nevada wholeheartedly agree with their advice, and recommend it as reading for any service professional. Make sure to check out their article for their tips on wowing guests and keeping them coming back for more. We certainly agree with their tips to acknowledge regulars and serve hospitably.

Regular guests like to be acknowledged by staff with even a simple “welcome back” or “nice to see you again.” Managers or bartenders who greet their repeat customers by name, or even remember their drink orders or preferences will impress guests and net better tips. Also remember that good food, drinks and a great ambiance are not the only components to a great night out. It’s important to always be hospitable. Excellent service will wow guests, keep them coming back, and increase the buzz about your establishment by word of mouth.

For even more tips on how to increase sales and provide a fabulous experience for your guests, make sure to read our blog posts, “Set the Tone and Increase Your Earnings with Positive Body Language,” and “Are Your Happy Hour Deals Falling Flat? New Ideas to Boost Your Bar Sales.”

Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. What tips would you give someone to increase their repeat business?

Resources

Seven Steps to Building Repeat Business – Nightclub & Bar

© 2011 National Hospitality Institute®, TAM® of Nevada

Leave a Comment

Filed under Alcohol Sales

Tagged as , , , , , , , ,

August 16, 2011 · 6:34 am

TAM® of Nevada $250 Visa Gift Card Giveaway

Gift Card Giveaway

Find us on Facebook and sign up!

We’re rewarding hardworking Nevada locals and industry professionals with a Facebook giveaway. Have you entered yet?

TAM® of Nevada is dedicated to providing superior education and service to Nevada’s hard working service professionals. We are happy to be a provider alcohol awareness education and alcohol education cards for over 25 years now. In addition to this, we are happy to now have the opportunity to connect with industry professionals socially, and invite you to join us! We’re announcing a new giveaway to show our appreciation to TAM® students and Facebook fans for their and positive comments and suggestions.

If you are a Facebook user, please connect with us by visiting us on Facebook and ‘Liking’ our page. After visiting and liking our page, you’ll have the option to register and enter the contest for a chance to win a $250 Visa gift card. Already connected with us on Facebook? No problem, just visit our page and fill out the entry form. We’ll be randomly drawing two winners, one at the end of August, and one at the end of September, so sign up today!

Even if you’re not interested in entering to win, we invite you to connect with us socially on Facebook. TAM® of Nevada is always interested in keeping touch with current and prospective students. By joining us, you can be the first to learn about any coupons and deals available only to our social media followers, plus additional TAM® tips, Las Vegas news and happenings, industry events and more.

Resources

TAM of Nevada Facebook Page

© 2011 National Hospitality Institute®, TAM® of Nevada

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , ,

July 26, 2011 · 8:25 am

Las Vegas Restaurant Week is Coming. Are You Ready for the Crowds?

Las Vegas Restaurant WeekLas Vegas Restaurant Week is returning to town once again from August 29th through September 11th at many of the area’s hottest restaurants.

Now in its fifth year, this event continues to be a resounding success and something for diners to look forward to. Restaurant Week offers up the chance for diners to check out some of the most popular eateries on and off the strip if they haven’t had the chance (or the budget!) just yet. Additionally, a portion of proceeds from each meal sold at participating restaurants will go to support Three Square Food Bank. How cool is that?

What does that mean for hospitality professionals? Prepare to be VERY busy! Expect crowds of hungry diners eager to sample cuisine from the over 80 participating restaurants over the two week period. Diners are heavily encouraged to make reservations, so that removes the element of surprise for many establishments.

If you are a service professional at a participating restaurant, make sure you are familiar with the prixe fixe menus and are able to answer questions about Restaurant Week options (ex – Menu substitutions, exclusions, etc.). Need a little more advice on how to keep your cool during this busy period? Make sure to read our blog post, “Feel Like You’re Stuck in a Pressure Cooker? Managing Stress on the Job.”

To learn more about Las Vegas Restaurant Week, Three Square Food Bank, and participating restaurants, you can visit the event website here.

Is your establishment participating in Restaurant Week? Which restaurants are you most excited to dine at?

© 2011 National Hospitality Institute®, TAM® of Nevada

1 Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , ,

July 19, 2011 · 6:05 am

Are You New to Nevada? You Must Complete Nevada-Specific Alcohol Awareness Training

TAM CardAlcohol education cards from out-of-state won’t transfer in Nevada. Industry professionals should complete alcohol awareness training with TAM® of Nevada to meet local requirements.

Are you a new resident in Las Vegas? Welcome to Nevada! Workers are drawn to this great state for its booming entertainment and nightlife industry, and all of the hospitality jobs that come along with the action.

Have you already received job-related alcohol training in another state? We often receive inquiries from out-of-state students asking if their alcohol education cards and education are valid in Nevada. Unfortunately, liquor laws are specific to the states, counties and municipalities, so no, alcohol licenses are not transferable. All individuals hoping to work in the beverage sales and service industry in Nevada must complete an alcohol training program that has been approved by the Nevada Commission on Postsecondary Education. TAM® of Nevada is an approved provider, and the only official provider of TAM® Cards in the state of Nevada.

Individuals that need to obtain their TAM® Card can complete their training online or in a traditional classroom environment with our certified instructors. Additionally, we now offer open lab time on Tuesdays for students who would like to complete their alcohol awareness training online, but do not have access to a computer. Students are welcome to visit our training center and use our computer lab to complete their training on Tuesdays between 9:00am and 5:00pm. Likewise, classroom-based training is available at several convenient times throughout the week, including Spanish classes on Tuesday evenings. Check out our alcohol awareness class schedule to find a class that is convenient for you!

© 2011 National Hospitality Institute®, TAM® of Nevada

Leave a Comment

Filed under Alcohol Awareness, Alcohol Education Cards, Alcohol Sales, Requirements

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

July 12, 2011 · 6:40 am

What’s On Your Summer Reading List? Best Books for Bartenders

We’re well in to summer, and hope everyone is enjoying the warmth and sunshine. Have you had the chance to do some summer reading yet? Whether you’re planning a beachy vacation getaway or just some downtime at home, the relaxed summer months are a great time to curl up with a good book. Instead of the usual bestsellers, why not pick up one of the many great books out there for bartenders and other hospitality professionals? Whether you’re looking for a good book to explain the basics, insight into the industry from bar gurus, or just a light and fun fiction novel set with a bar as the backdrop, there’s something out there for everyone. Here are some suggestions from TAM® of Nevada to help get you started:

  • The Joy of Mixology: The Consummate Guide to the Bartender’s Craft by Gary Regan – A must-read guide to bartending and mixology by a fantastic author. Gary Regan’s book is a classic for any bar professional and will give insight and tips on not only how to memorize drink recipes, but begin creating your own. With insight into cocktail history, advice on bar etiquette and insights into his own experiences in the industry, this is a fun and entertaining read. If you’re impressed with this book, you should also pick up Regan’s newest follow-up book, The Annual Manual for Bartenders – 2011.
  • The Modern Mixologist: Contemporary Classic Cocktails by Tony Abou-Ganim – A guide to cocktails and creative and fresh bartending techniques from Las Vegas resident and bartender extraordinaire Tony Abou-Ganim. This book is a great read for novices and professionals alike. The Modern Mixologist is another great account of the industry from one of the most well-known bartenders in America. What better way to learn your craft than with the insights of a great professional?

Looking for even more suggestions on good reads for bar professionals? Check out Jack Robertiello’s suggestions in his article, “Books for Bartenders,” for Nightclub & Bar. What are you reading this summer?

Resources

Books for Bartenders – Nightclub & Bar

© 2011 National Hospitality Institute®, TAM® of Nevada

1 Comment

Filed under Alcohol Sales, Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

June 28, 2011 · 6:07 am

Are You Ready to Take an Alcohol Awareness Exam?

TAM ExamRead on for tips on how you can prepare for a proctored exam.

The State of Nevada’s Commission on Postsecondary Education requires that students pass a supervised exam with a 75% or better before being issued an Alcohol Education Card. What does that mean for you? If you complete your TAM® training online you must physically go to the provider’s approved school location to take a proctored exam after finishing the online training. If you opted to complete the course in a classroom setting you will take a test immediately following the training session.

Are you nervous about taking and passing a test? Fear not! TAM® of Nevada has been helping students prepare for their exams for over 25 years. Before you come in to our official training to obtain your TAM® Card, read on for more tips on making sure you’re prepared to pass with flying colors. Rest assured the training you’ve completed with TAM® will leave you prepared to ace your exam, and excel at practicing safe beverage service techniques on the job.

How long is the exam? The exam is 25 questions. It takes approximately 15 minutes for you to take your exam and have your picture taken for your TAM® Card. Most students find the test to be a breeze after participating in TAM® training; all questions are a review of the material you covered during the course.

Is there a Practice Test? You bet! Students who elect to complete TAM® Card online training will take a practice test at the end of their online training. This is one of the best ways to prepare for your proctored exam; you’ll get an idea of the types of questions that will appear on your final exam and have the chance to complete a final review before taking the real thing. If you’re planning to wait a few days to take your proctored exam, you can refresh your memory on the material covered by going through the practice test before leaving for our training center.

What if I take a classroom course? Traditional classroom training will leave you equally prepared for your test as the online option. Feel free to take notes and ask questions during the class. Our instructors are there to help and make sure you’re comfortable with all of the material. They love being able to answer questions and discuss the particulars of safe beverage service with students!

Relax! Take a deep breath and focus on the questions. You’ll do great!

What other ways do you like to prepare before taking an exam?

Resources

Nevada Commission on Postsecondary Education

© 2011 National Hospitality Institute®, TAM® of Nevada

Leave a Comment

Filed under Alcohol Education Cards, Requirements

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,