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I-PACT

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Iowa ABD has designed an alcohol compliance training program, with the passage of Iowa Code 123.50A and 123.50. The online alcohol training program has been named the Iowa Program for Alcohol Compliance Training (I-PACT). This program allows employees and prospective employees to go through alcohol compliance training and receive a certificate upon completion.

Establishments choosing to participate in I-PACT training are granted an affirmative defense, which may be used once in a four year period. A business may avoid civil prosecution if an alcohol sale-to-minor violation occurs in their establishment. In order for the business to take advantage of the affirmative defense, the employee guilty of the violation must be I-PACT certified prior to the time the offense occurred. However, the affirmative defense cannot be used if the employee sold to a minor under the age of 18 years. Only the business is eligible to avoid a civil penalty. The guilty employee will be subject to a fine and the I-PACT certification for the employee will be revoked.

Why should you participate in I-PACT?

The overall goal of I-PACT is increased voluntary compliance with the state's alcohol laws through education and enforcement. The core objective of the program is to prevent illegal sales of alcohol by educating alcohol sellers and increasing awareness of changes in Iowa's liquor laws.

What will you learn from I-PACT?

The content focuses on key identifying elements of the latest format of Iowa driver's licenses, but also includes information on the previous version of licenses and identification cards. I-PACT covers the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act (Iowa Code chapter 123), valid forms of identification, and how to spot altered and fake IDs. The program focuses on preventing underage sales and sales to intoxicated patrons. Participants will learn techniques for refusing the sale of alcohol with minimal confrontation and how to legally confiscate an altered or fake ID. The training also includes regulations and tips for offsite delivery of alcohol.

Who should take the I-PACT?

All individuals who sell alcohol for on-or-off-premises consumption, as well as holders of retail alcohol licenses should take the training. However, anyone who is interested may take the training.

The program asks that a PACT is made for:

  • Iowa kids not to consume alcohol products.
  • Iowa retailers not to sell alcohol to minors.
  • Iowa licensees not to serve alcohol to patrons under 21.
  • Iowa’s law enforcement to enforce Iowa’s liquor laws.

Take the training and get certified today!

Supplementary Alcohol Training

While I-PACT is offered free of charge from the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division, in person supplemental alcohol education training offers an expanded approach to responsible beverage server training in a classroom setting. Listed below are some national programs that can offer supplemental training in your area:

TIPS

TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) is the global leader in education and training for the responsible service, sale, and consumption of alcohol. Proven effective by third-party studies, TIPS is a dynamic, skills-based training program designed to prevent intoxication, drunk driving and underage drinking by enhancing the fundamental "people skills" of servers, sellers and consumers of alcohol. With 60,000 people certified in Iowa and over 3 million certified individuals across the U.S. and beyond, many businesses already enjoy the benefits of TIPS. TIPS gives individuals the knowledge and confidence they need to recognize potential alcohol-related problems and intervene to prevent alcohol-related tragedies.

To learn more, visit the TIPS website or call 800.GET.TIPS.

ServSafe

Responsible alcohol service is an issue that touches your business, your customers and your community. That's why the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) developed the ServSafe Alcohol Program to raise the bar in responsible alcohol service training and certification.

ServSafe Alcohol is today's real-world training solution, with practical knowledge and resources that help to prepare and protect every operation every day.

To learn more, visit the ServSafe website.