ATC sees drop in New Year's alcohol sales to minors

Agents with the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) hit the streets across the state during the 2015 New Year celebrations, working to keep alcohol and tobacco products out of the hands of minors.

Last New Year’s stats:  116 checks / 27 sales = 77% compliance rate

This New Year’s stats: 234 checks/33 sales = 86% compliance rate

“During ATC’s annual New Year’s Eve sting, we doubled the amount of checks and sales to minors went down 9%," said ATC Commissioner Troy Hebert. "That’s great news and I commend the businesses that did the right thing,” Commissioner Hebert added.

ATC agents spent the night and early morning of December 31 and January 1 conducting underage compliance checks of businesses throughout the state. This included restaurants, bars, nightclubs, hotels and convenience and grocery stores.

Throughout 2014, the Agency has set a new standard for compliance checks, not only increasing the number of checks during special events like Mardi Gras and New Year’s Eve, but also many special events where alcohol is served.

“ATC looks to continue its hard work in 2015 and further the Agency’s mission to promote responsible business practices and prevent access of alcohol and tobacco to minors,” said Commissioner Hebert. “Nothing good comes out of selling or serving alcohol and tobacco to a minor."

The LRA now offers ServSafe Alcohol® -- a vital, practical and current responsible alcohol service training program that includes Louisiana alcohol beverage regulations. The ServSafe Alcohol for Louisiana online course is approved by the Louisiana Office of Alcohol & Tobacco Control and the Responsible Vendor Board; in fact, ServSafe was the first approved online provider for the LA Server Permit. 

By providing practical knowledge and best-in-class resources, ServSafe Alcohol helps servers earn their LA Server Permit and put knowledge into action when it matters most. That makes ServSafe Alcohol the smart training solution for every server and every operation. Click here for more information about the course.

Online alcohol server training now approved in Louisiana!

Servers of alcohol in Louisiana can now
obtain their Responsible Vendor Permit
(bar card) online at www.laserverpermit.com.

The Louisiana Restaurant Association is pleased to announce ServSafe Alcohol Online. For the first time in Louisiana, individuals can now obtain their Responsible Vendor Permit, or bar card, by completing the two-hour course online 24-7—it’s fast, convenient and state approved.

ServSafe Alcohol is a vital, practical and current responsible alcohol service training program that includes Louisiana alcohol regulations. The ServSafe Alcohol for Louisiana Online Program is approved by the Louisiana Office Alcohol & Tobacco Control and the Responsible Vendor Board. By providing practical knowledge and best-in-class resources, ServSafe Alcohol helps servers put knowledge into action when it matters most. That makes ServSafe Alcohol the smart training solution for every server and every operation.

Online Learning Benefits

Convenience. Traditional training relies on instructors presenting materials at a specific time and location. Online training enables workers to learn in the office or at home, and allows the flexibility of scheduling the training when it is most convenient.

Pace of Learning. One fundamental advantage of online training over synchronous (real time) training is that a student can learn at his own pace. Comprehension quizzes at the end of each training module test knowledge before moving on to the next module and allow students to review portions of training materials before moving on to new chapters.

Presentation. Online training courses can be supplemented by on-screen graphics, short videos, which may accelerate learning for some participants.

Consistency. One of the advantages of online training is consistency of the message. In-person training is different as trainers may deliver their material differently or adjust the course content from one session to another as they see fit. Thus, no two students are guaranteed that they will receive the exact same training.

Visit www.laserverpermit.com today to take your alcohol server course.

The National Restaurant Association’s ServSafe Alcohol Online Course is a convenient and easy training solution that prepares bartenders, servers, hosts, bussers, valets, bouncers and all front of the house staff to effectively and safely handle difficult situations in the operation. Knowledgeable, responsible alcohol service is a priority for every operation. That’s why ServSafe creators teamed up with experts in the beverage, foodservice, medical, insurance, legal, academic and regulatory industries to develop our comprehensive program. The online program is built by the same creators as the highly-regarded ServSafe food safety program, protecting you for nearly 40 years.