[VISTA, CA]: Now that Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the COVID-19 State of Emergency will end on February 28, 2023, prevention advocates are urging a renewed focus on ensuring that alcohol retailers are complying with local training requirements for managers and employees.
Before the COVID-19 shutdowns, training provided by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) was held monthly throughout North County, reaching thousands of employees, especially in cities where such instruction was required by local ordinance.
Responsible alcohol sales training is mandatory for both on-sale (bar/restaurant) and off-sale (grocery/convenience stores) in Encinitas (adopted 2010), San Marcos (adopted 2009), Solana Beach (adopted 2007), Vista (adopted 2009), and Oceanside (adopted 2015).
The passage of AB 1221 by the State of California mandated training only for on-sale retailers such as bars and restaurants and was implemented last year.
But ABC’s LEAD training is still available and a valuable tool to help prevent alcohol sales to minors and intoxicated customers.
LEAD training is an acronym for Licensee Education on Alcohol and Drugs. LEAD training is provided for free and is now available either online or in person.
The training provides practical information on preventing sales to minors, properly checking identification, recognizing an already intoxicated person, the legal responsibilities regarding illicit drug activity at licensed locations, and liability. The classes take about three hours.
To make the training easier to access, ABC has added online classes. Ernest Sesma, the owner-operator of Grocery Outlet in Oceanside, says the online option is beneficial because it allows employees to complete the training without impacting the store’s staffing levels.
Mr. Sesma says it’s essential for employees to understand the laws and ensure alcohol does not get into the hands of minors. He says that’s one of the reasons Grocery Outlet participated in the Sticker Shock campaign last November, adorning products with stickers that said, “If they can’t buy it, don’t supply it.”
More information and registration for ABC LEAD training sessions can be found at www.abc.ca.gov.
Resources and services are available to assist with screening, treatment, and recovery for individuals with a substance use disorder (SUD). The Access & Crisis line is available year-round, 24/7 at (888) 724-7240.
About the North Coastal Prevention Coalition
The North Coastal Prevention Coalition aims to reduce the harm of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and other drugs in the cities of Carlsbad, Oceanside, and Vista through community action, education, support, and collaboration. Funded in part by the County of San Diego, HHSA, Behavioral Health Services, with a contract to Vista Community Clinic. Visit www.northcoastalpreventioncoalition.org
