Illinois BASSET Bartender Alcohol Awareness Training
Illionois alcohol awareness training ensures that alcohol service remains fun and rewarding, but also a job that is to be taken seriously. When alcohol is involved, people -- and situations -- can sometimes get out of control.
Therefore, a bartender, or alcohol seller-server, needs to be prepared for difficult people and situations and be aware of their own liability and the need to protect themselves professionally and personally. That's why alcohol awareness training is necessary.
BASSET Training
BASSET (Beverage Alcohol Sellers and Servers Education and Training) is the State of Illinois' responsible beverage seller-server program. BASSET responsible alcohol seller-server training ensures that sellers and servers of alcohol understand the Illinois liquor laws and serve alcoholic beverages responsibly. BASSET seller-server training program can also significantly reduce the risk and liability associated with alcohol service.
Who should be BASSET Certified?
- Most alcohol sellers and servers in Illinois are required to be BASSET certified.
- Employees in establishments that sell and serve alcohol in bars, restaurants, hotels, taverns, night clubs, and banquet halls: bartenders, bar backs, servers, managers, security personnel and bouncers.
- Employees in establishments that sell alcohol in liquor stores, grocery stores, convenient stores and gas stations: sales associates, clerks, supervisors and managers.
The goals and objectives of the BASSET Program are:
- Train and educate sellers and servers to engage in responsible alcohol service;
- Spot signs of intoxication and utilize various intervention techniques;
- Prevent DUIs and alcohol-related fatalities;
- Stop underage sales and underage drinking;
- Create safer communities and establishments where alcohol is served;
- Educate owners, managers and staff on dram shop insurance, state laws, and local ordinances regarding alcohol service.
Why should you take a BASSET course?
- By July 1, 2018, ALL Illinois on-premise alcohol servers (and those required to check identification for alcohol service) will be mandated to take a BASSET training course and re-certification every 3 years. Source: Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC) - BASSET Education
- Click video links to understand the value and importance of BASSET seller-seller training:
BASSET video in English | BASSET video in Spanish
Illinois BASSET Bartender Alcohol Awareness Training
- BASSET Training Course
- State Contact Info
- State Regulations
Illinois BASSET Alcohol Awareness Training Course
Course Description
The BASSET alcohol seller-server training course is about 4 hours in length and provides the student with the necessary knowledge about Illinois state laws regarding alcohol service and proven techniques needed to be a responsible seller of alcohol and for providing a safe environment for customers. Specifically, you will learn:
- Understand the physiological effects of alcohol;
- Use behavioral cues to assess intoxication levels in guests;
- How to refuse a sale to an intoxicated guest;
- How to prevent and deal with disturbances;
- How to accurately check IDs and recognize minors;
- Understand your liability and how to protect yourself and your establishment; and
- How to prevent second-party sales.
Audience: Illinois employees in establishments that sell and serve alcohol in bars, restaurants, hotels, taverns, night clubs, concessions, and banquet halls: bartenders, bar backs, servers, managers, security personnel and bouncers.
Credit Hours: 4 hrs
Course Outline
- Lesson 1: Introduction
- Lesson 2: How Alcohol Affects the Body
- Lesson 3: Recognizing Intoxicated Customers
- Lesson 4: Preventing Disturbances
- Lesson 5: Minors and Liability
- Lesson 6: How to Refuse a Sale
- Lesson 7: State of Illinois Alcohol-Related Laws
End of Course Test & Certificate
At the conclusion of the training, the learner will be tested on their knowledge of the learning objectives and content. Upon successfully passing the exam with a minimum of 70%, the learner will be able to download a training course certificate.
A roster of students who have passed the exam is sent to the Liquor Control Commission (ILCC). The Commission (ILCC) then issues BASSET cards to participants who successfully complete the course.
BASSET cards a valid for 3 years from date of issuance.
Illinois Alcohol Regulatory Agency
The Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC) is responsible for the control over the importation, distribution, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages, which applies to all retailers, suppliers, and wholesalers who are licensed to manufacture, sell, serve, transport, or store liquor in the State of Illinois.
Beverage Alcohol Sellers and Servers Education and Training (BASSET) is the State of Illinois' responsible beverage seller/server program. Under the licensing and regulatory auspices of the Illinois Liquor Control Commission, BASSET is designed to encourage profitable, responsible, and legal alcohol sales and service. Source: Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC)
State of Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC)
Chicago Office
100 W. Randolph Ste. 5-300
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: (312) 814-2206
Web: http://www.state.il.us/lcc/
Springfield Office
101 West Jefferson Suite 3-525
Springfield, Illinois 62702
Phone: 217-782-2136
Web: http://www.state.il.us/lcc/
Illinois BASSET - Alcoholic Beverage Statutes, Rules and Regulations
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The July 2015 signing of Public Act 99-0046 (PDF) required alcohol servers (and those checking ID's for alcohol service) in Illinois on-premise establishments to successfully complete a Beverage Alcohol Sellers/Servers Education & Training (BASSET) class every 3 years.
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The mandate took effect by a pre-determined date based upon county population (NOTE: Many local jurisdictions already require BASSET; please visit the Local Survey page for ordinances in your community).
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