An ‘on premise’ training program offered for Lincoln County alcohol sellers aims to decrease problem and underage drinking.
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, the Police Departments of Boothbay Harbor, Damariscotta, Waldoboro and Wiscasset and Youth Promise, lead agency for Healthy Lincoln County jointly sponsor the program, which is a free retail beverage seller-server training for on-premise licensees – restaurants and bars that sell and serve alcoholic beverages.
To accommodate the large number of establishments in Lincoln County, the training is being offered twice: Mon., June 1 at Knot Gray’s Wharf in Boothbay Harbor from 12:30 – 5 p.m. and on June 22 at Bintliff’s Ocean Grille in Edgecomb from 12:30-5 p.m.
This four and a half hour State of Maine approved program is facilitated by Frank Lyons, a 23-year veteran of the Maine liquor enforcement, who tells it like it is. “Solid training, solid policies are your friend.” Lyons said. “Without them, you’re in trouble.”
The off premise training is designed to better equip management, staff and licensees on identifying and preventing violations of certain liquor laws with an emphasis on underage and high risk drinkers. Along with learning about these laws, training is provided on ways to identify minors and visibly intoxicated persons (VIPs) and the importance of having good policy to refer to when dealing with them.
Lyons spends time educating participants on how to spot fake IDs and how to spot alcohol related trouble brewing through the early warning signs. Licensees receive a certificate upon completion, which is good for three years.
“The training often leads to reduced insurance rates – but more importantly, it will help reduce the risk of making costly and/or tragic unlawful sales,” Lyons said.
To register for the training or for more information contact Youth Promise at 563-6123.
