ARTICLE 25 Responsible Beverage Service Training Program

TITLE 4. DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL PROPOSED

REGULATIONS

Text of modified proposed adopted language.

ARTICLE 25

Responsible Beverage Service Training Program

Authority cited: Sections 25680-25686, Business and Professions Code.

§160. Responsible Beverage Service Training Program.

(a) The department adopts these regulations in compliance with Business and Professions

Code § 25681 with the intent to ensure effective responsible beverage service training for

servers and their managers to curb harm of the overuse of alcohol in California communities.

(b) Definitions for use in this article and in interpreting and enforcing Business and

Professions code §§ 25680-25686.

(1) “ABC” means the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

(2) “ABC on-premises license” means an ABC license that grants the privilege to serve

alcoholic beverages to patrons who then consume them within the licensed premises.

(3) “ABC on-premises licensee” means the owner of an ABC on-premises license

(4) “ABC licensed premises” means a location where an ABC on-premises licensee uses

the privileges granted by an ABC on-premises license.

(5) “Accreditation agency” means a business entity the department has given the

authority to approve RBS training courses and training providers according to the standards of

the RBSTPA and this article.

(6) “Alcohol server certification exam” means an exam given to alcohol servers after

they complete an RBS training course to test the alcohol server’s knowledge of the required

curriculum.

(7) “Initial employment” means the date an employee signs an employment contract or

employee tax and identification documents, whichever is sooner.

(8) “Interactivity element” means a portion of an RBS training course that reasonably

requires alcohol servers to be engaged in the training, demonstrate their knowledge of the

curriculum, and develop an understanding of how to apply course material to their employment.

(9) “Manages or supervises” means any person who trains, directly hires, or oversees

alcohol servers at an ABC licensed premises, or any person who trains alcohol servers how to

perform the service of alcohol for consumption for an ABC on-premises licensee makes policy or

operational decisions dictating how alcohol service is performed at an ABC licensed premises,

including but not limited to, when to check identification or when to refuse service to a patron.

This definition specifically excludes an employee or contractor of another separate ABC licensee

who is training alcohol servers for marketing or distribution purposes.

(10) “Onsite” for the purposes of Business and Professions Code § 25682(c) means being

engaged and directly overseeing the service of alcohol for consumption by any persons on behalf

of the nonprofit organization licensee. This includes, but is not limited to, creating and imparting

responsible beverage service policies to the other persons serving alcoholic beverages for

consumption at the event.

(11) “Online certification system” means an electronic online database maintained by the

department that alcohol servers, training providers, ABC on-premises licensees, law enforcement

agencies, and the department will use to establish the validity of issued alcohol server

certifications.

(12) “Owners and officers” include any owner, director, or officer of a business entity that

has at least a ten percent interest or control of a business entity.

(13) “RBS” means responsible beverage service.

(14) “RBS trainer” means an owner, contractor, or employee of a training provider that

delivers an RBS training course to alcohol servers either in-person or online.

(15) “Serving alcoholic beverages for consumption” means performing any of the

following actions by an alcohol server as an employee or contractor of an ABC on-premises

licensee when interacting with a patron of the ABC licensed premises: (A) checking patron

identification, (B) taking patron alcoholic beverage orders, (C) pouring alcoholic beverages for

patrons, or (D) delivering alcoholic beverages to patrons.

§161. Responsible Beverage Service Training Course General Requirements

(a) Training providers shall present, at a minimum, the topics and information contained

in California Code of Regulations Title 4 §§162 -166 to alcohol servers in their RBS training

course.

(b) Interactivity elements must occur, at a minimum, during an RBS training course

portion for each of the five major curriculum topics in Business and Professions Code §

25680(c).

RBS training course content to aid alcohol servers in refreshing their knowledge after they

complete an approved RBS training course.

(d) None of the curriculum topics described in California Code of Regulations Title 4

§§162 -166 shall be interpreted as imposing new or changing existing requirements on

licensees, but instead only define course content requirements for RBS training courses.

§162. Curriculum requirements for the social impact of alcohol.

(a) The general positive impact of alcohol sales on the community.

(b) The general negative impact of alcohol sales on the community.

(1) Alcohol related crimes:

(A) Driving under the influence;

(B) Domestic violence; and

(2) Increased calls to first responders:

(A) Emergency medical transporters;

(B) Law enforcement; and

(3) Neighborhood quality of life:

(A) Noise;

(B) Litter;

(D) Public indecency.

(4) Public health risks:

(A) Binge drinking;

(B) Alcoholism;

(D) Alcohol poisoning and death.

(d) The alcohol server’s responsibility to the community as the gatekeepers of persons

obtaining alcohol in public establishments.

§163. Curriculum requirements for the impact of alcohol on the body.

(a) Physiology of alcohol on the human body.

(1) Alcohol’s path through the human body:

(A) No digestion needed in alcohol absorption;

(B) Alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream after consuming;

(D) Most consumed alcohol is absorbed quickly through the small intestine.

(2) How the human body processes alcohol:

(A) Most alcohol must be processed by the liver to remove it from the body;

(B) The liver metabolizes approximately one alcoholic drink equivalent or standard sized

drink per hour;

alcohol; and

(D) Alcohol in the blood stream causes intoxication.

(3) Common myths about sobering up.

(4) Alcohol’s effect on the human body:

(A) Alcohol depresses the central nervous systems’ functions, including judgement,

inhibitions, and reaction times;

(B) Alcohol depletes the body’s fluids and causes thirst and dehydration; and

present the liver ceases normal functions to metabolize the alcohol from the bloodstream.

(b) Alcohol-impaired driving:

(1) Slows reaction times;

(2) Reduced or decreased vision;

(3) Impaired judgement; and

(4) Reduction in concentration and coordination.

(1) The definition of intoxication by alcohol; and

(2) Intoxication can occur in as little as one alcoholic drink equivalent or standard drink.

(d) Potential signs of intoxication.

(1) Physical reactions:

(A) Slurred and varied speech;

(B) Slow and deliberate movement;

(D) Loss of coordination while sitting or standing.

(2) Physical appearance:

(A) Red or watery eyes;

(B) Sweating;

(D) Face appearing flushed or red;

(E) Disheveled clothing;

(F) Lack of eye focus; and

(G) An odor of alcohol.

(3) Lowering of inhibitions:

(A) Overly friendly;

(B) Use of foul language;

(D) Increased rate of alcohol consumption.

(4) Loss of judgement:

(A) Complaints about the strength of the alcoholic beverages being served;

(B) Carelessness with money;

(D) Makes irrational statements.

(e) Factors affecting the severity of intoxication.

(1) Amount and speed of consumption of alcohol:

(A) Food in the stomach can slow the rate of intoxication; and

(B) The higher the amount of alcohol consumed the more alcohol is found in the blood

stream.

(2) Drinking alcohol rapidly, like binge drinking, can quickly lead to higher levels of

intoxication.

(3) Tolerance to alcohol, drugs, and other toxic substances can build up over time as the

human body adapts:

(A) Varies from person to person;

(B) Increased tolerance lessens the effects of alcohol on the central nervous system; and

impaired.

(4) Medications or recreational and illegal drugs can have very harmful effects when

mixed with alcohol:

(A) Medications, and recreational and illegal drugs, can themselves impair the human

body in similar ways to alcohol intoxication; and

(B) Combining alcohol with medications or recreational and illegal drugs can lead to side

effects from discomfort to death.

(5) Altitude can make alcohol intoxication nearly twice as potent on the human body.

§164. Curriculum requirements for state laws and regulations relating to alcoholic

beverage control, including laws and regulations related to driving under the influence.

(a) Information contained in Business and Professions Code § 25682.

(b) Information contained in Title 4 California Code of Regulations § 160(b).

(d) Information contained in Business and Professions Code § 25684.

(e) Categories of crimes in California:

(1) Definition of and penalties for infractions in California;

(2) Definition of and penalties for misdemeanors in California; and

(3) Definition of and penalties for felonies in California.

(f) Types of liability for licensees, their employees, and their contractors.

(1) Criminal liability:

(A) Committing a criminal act; and

(B) Penalties include monetary fines, community service, and jail time.

(2) Administrative liability:

(A) Action against the license;

(B) The purpose of penalties is not punishment, but to deter licensee’s using license

privileges in ways contrary to law and that puts the community’s health, safety, and welfare

at risk; and

and revocation of a license.

(3) Civil liability:

(A) Information contained in Business and Professions Code § 25602.1;

(B) General negligence and reckless conduct; and

(g) Laws related to the service of alcohol for consumption:

(1) Information contained in Business and Professions Code § 25658(a), (c), (d);

(2) Information contained in Business and Professions Code § 25665;

(3) Information contained in Business and Professions Code § 25602(a);

(4) Information contained in Penal Code § 647(f);

(5) Information contained in Business and Professions Code § 25663(a), (c);

(6) Information contained in Business and Professions Code § 24200.5(a);

(7) Information contained in Vehicle Code § 23152(a), (b), (g);

(8) Information contained in Business and Professions Code §§ 25631-25632;

(9) Information contained in Health and Safety Code § 11362.3(a)(1)-(3), (b)(2), (b)(4),

and (c);

(10) Information contained in Business and Professions Code § 25621.5; and

(11) Information contained in California Code of Regulations Title 17 § 40300.

(h) Regulation of alcoholic beverages.

(1) Alcohol-related laws are enforced by state and local law enforcement agencies.

(2) Role of the department:

(A) The department licenses businesses to sell alcohol;

(B) ABC agents are sworn peace officers;

(D) Information about the Target Responsibility for Alcohol Connected Emergencies

(T.R.A.C.E.) protocol.

(i) Role of local law enforcement officers:

(1) Local law enforcement is required to enforce alcohol laws; and

(2) Local law enforcement officers are required to send the department all arrest reports

and calls for service at ABC licensed locations.

(3) Inspection rights and peace officer authority:

(A) Any sworn peace officer, whether in uniform or in plain clothes, has the right to visit

and inspect any licensed premises at any time during business hours;

(B) The right to inspect is not dependent on probable cause or obtaining a warrant;

cabinets, safes, kitchen, or any other area within the licensed premises;

(D) Interfering in any way with a peace officer’s right to inspect is grounds for arrest and

license revocation; and

(E) The ABC agent’s right to inspect also extends to licensee records required to be kept

under Business and Professions Code Division 9.

(j) Local jurisdictions may have additional laws, ordinances, or provisions that apply to

an ABC licensed location in their area in addition to the statewide laws.

§165. Curriculum requirements for intervention techniques to prevent the service or sale

of alcoholic beverages to underage persons or intoxicated patrons.

(a) Checking identification (ID) of patrons prior to serving alcohol.

(1) Twenty-one is the minimum age for a person to legally purchase or consume alcoholic

beverages in California.

(2) If prior to serving alcohol an alcohol server diligently inspects a patron’s ID and

reasonably concludes it is legally acceptable (even if it turns out to be a fake ID), and the

appearance of the minor indicates the minor could be twenty-one years of age or older, the

alcohol server has a defense to a charge of selling to a minor.

(b) Characteristics of a legally acceptable ID:

(1) Issued by a government agency;

(2) Contains the name, date of birth, photograph, and physical description of the ID

holder; and

(3) A valid expiration date.

Code § 25660:

(1) State issued driver’s licenses and identification cards;

(2) Military ID’s, even without a physical description of the ID holder; and

(3) Government issued passports, even without a physical description of the ID holder.

(d) Unacceptable ID’s:

(1) Expired ID;

(2) School or Work ID;

(3) Obviously altered ID;

(4) ID belonging to someone else; and

(5) Interim or temporary state issued driver licenses.

(e) Elements of a valid California Real ID.

(f) Elements of a valid California Federal Non-Compliant ID.

(g) Indicators of a false ID:

(1) Photograph appears raised or altered;

(2) Thickness of the card, too thick or too thin;

(3) Lumps, bumps, or creases on the surface of the card;

(4) The card can be peeled apart;

(5) Alterations of the birthdate; and

(6) Signature written in ink.

(h) Techniques for checking ID:

(1) Physically hold the ID;

(2) Look at the front and back of the ID;

(3) Compare the photograph to the ID holder;

(4) Compare the physical description to the ID holder;

(5) Verify the information on the card by asking questions of the ID holder;

(6) Compare the signature on the ID to a fresh signature given by the ID holder; and

(7) Check for security features visible by UV light or flashlight.

(i) The alcohol server’s right to refuse service of alcoholic beverages, information

contained in Business and Professions Code § 25659.

(j) Avoiding service to obviously intoxicated patrons:

(1) Use effective listening and visual cues to determine when patrons have become

obviously intoxicated; and

(2) Do not advocate for continued drinking when one patron attempts to buy a beverage

for another patron who no longer wants a beverage.

(k) When to refuse service:

(1) If a patron’s ID is invalid;

(2) If the patron becomes belligerent;

(3) If a patron is obviously intoxicated either by alcohol, medication, or recreational or

illegal drugs;

(4) If a patron requests service outside the hours of operation; and

(5) If a server has any doubts about any of the preceding factors.

(l) Techniques for an alcohol server refusing service to a patron:

(1) Be courteous but firm in telling patrons they can no longer be served;

(2) Be quiet and discrete;

(3) Be assertive in the decision to stop alcoholic beverage service;

(4) Focus on statements about the alcohol server’s duty and liability not to serve;

(5) Do not bargain with the patron;

(6) The server should inform managers and co-workers of the decision, identity of the

person, and reasons the person should no longer be served alcohol;

(7) Inform other members of the patron’s group, if any; and

(8) Offer a glass of water, non-alcoholic beverage, or food item.

(m) Identifying persons under the influence of medication or recreational or illegal drugs.

(1) Depressants:

(A) Define what a depressant is;

(B) Identify common depressants; and

(2) Stimulant:

(A) Define what a stimulant is;

(B) Identify common stimulants; and

(3) Hallucinogenic (psychedelics):

(A) Define what a hallucinogenic is;

(B) Identify common types of hallucinogenic; and

§166. Curriculum requirements for the development of management policies that support

the prevention of service or sale of alcoholic beverages to underage persons or intoxicated

patrons.

(a) ABC Licensee’s duty to ensure policies are created to guide employees in the service

of alcoholic beverages for consumption in their licensed premises according to legal standards:

(1) If an administrative violation occurs on the licensed premises, the license for that

premises is at risk for administrative penalties;

(2) Information contained in Title 4 California Code of Regulations § 144;

(3) Explanation of aggravating and mitigating factors upon administrative penalties; and

(4) Information contained in Business and Professions Code § 23095(a)-(c).

(b) Benefits for an ABC on-premises licensee of having policies in place for the service of

alcoholic beverages for consumption to the public:

(1) Policies ensure uniformity of responsible business practices;

(2) Policies ensure an ABC licensed premises is a safe and comfortable space for patrons

and employees; and

(3) Policies reduce the risk of criminal, civil, and administrative liability for the ABC

licensee, its agents, and its employees.

(4) Effective policies increase profitability of the ABC licensed premises.

beverages for consumption to the public:

(1) Develop policies to enforce objectives like preventing alcohol service to minors and

overly-intoxicated persons;

(2) Develop policies to comply with all state and local laws pertaining to the ABC on-

premises licensed premises; and

(3) Develop strategies for instructing and reinforcing policy implementation by

management and employees.

(d) Guidelines for the effective use of policies for the service of alcoholic beverages for

consumption to the public:

(1) Written policies should be clear and specific;

(2) Policies should be reviewed for relevance and accuracy, especially if there are frequent

incidents of violence or illegal activity requiring peace officer assistance;

(3) Policies need to be taught and enforced with each employee; and

(4) Policies should be reinforced through regular training and meetings with employees.

(e) Critical RBS policy elements:

(1) Stopping alcoholic beverage service to a patron;

(2) Encouraging intoxicated patrons travel home safely;

(3) Handling patrons who arrive already intoxicated;

(4) Handling potentially violent situations;

(5) Handling illegal activities;

(6) Dealing with underage patrons;

(7) How and when to check a patron’s identification;

(8) Handling emergency situations;

(9) Implementing an incident log;

(10) Prohibiting employees consuming alcohol while working; and

(11) Prohibiting promotions that encourage intemperate consumption of alcoholic

beverages or unlawful discrimination:

(A) Two for one drink specials;

(B) Ladies nights; and

(f) Use of an incident log for the following incidents for employee communication:

(1) When alcoholic beverage service was stopped for a patron;

(2) When alternate transportation has been arranged for a patron;

(3) Any seizure of an identification;

(4) A patron becoming ill due to over consumption of alcohol;

(5) Any injury, medical treatment, or hospitalization of a person on the ABC licensed

premises;

(6) Any illegal or violent incidents occurring on the ABC licensed premises; and

(7) Any calls for law enforcement assistance or other contact with peace officers.

(g) Interacting with law enforcement:

(1) ABC licensees, their employees, and their agents are expected to cooperate with all

sworn peace officers, including ABC agents and local law enforcement;

(2) Frequent calls for law enforcement assistance at an ABC - licensed premises can be

grounds for an administrative action to suspend or revoke the license; and

(3) Policy changes to avoid frequent need for law enforcement assistance could include

hiring more employees, closing earlier, hiring security guards, changing the type of music

played, and increasing lighting on the premises.

(h) Discrimination against classifications of individuals included in California Civil Code

§ 51.6 at an ABC licensed premises is prohibited:

(1) Information contained in Business and Professions Code § 125.6; and

(2) Prohibition includes discrimination by drink specials.

(i) Hiring practices for alcohol servers:

(1) To pour and serve an alcoholic beverage, an employee must be 21 years or older;

(2) If incidental to food service, an employee who is at least 18 years old may serve an

alcoholic beverage, but not pour;

(3) ABC on-premises licensees must independently confirm any employed or contracted

alcohol server is certified under Business and Professions Code § 25682 (b)(1); and

(4) ABC on-premises licensees’ employment and payroll records shall be kept for four

years and made available for inspection by ABC agents upon request.

(j) Good hospitality policies for the service of alcoholic beverage for consumption by

patrons at an ABC licensed premises:

(1) Offer or serve a glass of water with the service of alcohol;

(2) Serve one beverage per patron at a time;

(3) Slow beverage service if needed;

(4) Do not serve a beverage to anyone who does not want one;

(5) Offer alternative non-alcoholic beverages;

(6) Offer food promotions;

(7) Offer promotions for designated drivers;

(8) Advise managers and coworkers when ceasing service to a patron; and

(9) Encourage all patrons have a safe ride to their next destination.

(k) Monitoring patrons’ alcoholic-beverage intake:

(1) The standard beverage size for all poured alcoholic beverages are generally as follows:

(1) The alcoholic drink equivalent, or standard drink, is a specific measure of 14 g/0.6 fl.

oz. of alcohol per serving. The following are average sizes by type of alcohol and their

average alcohol by volume.

(A) 12 oz. beer or cooler, about 5% alcohol by volume;

(B) 8 to 9 oz. malt liquor, including some beers greater than 7% alcohol by volume;

(D) 1.5 oz. 80 proof-distilled spirit, 40% alcohol by volume;

(2) Use measuring devices to ensure standard drink sizes or alcoholic drink equivalents

are used for all types of alcoholic beverages. The size of an alcoholic drink equivalent is

dependent upon the alcoholic beverage’s alcohol by volume or ABV;

(3) Mixed beverages may have multiple servings within one drink; and

(4) Using correct pours ensures profitability of the business and helps the alcohol server

calculate how much a patron has consumed to comply with other policies against serving

obviously intoxicated persons patrons.

(b) Policies for monitoring common behavior of minors seeking alcohol service:

(1) One patron ordering alcoholic beverages for a large group that may include one or

more minors;

(2) Making excuses for not having an identification; and

(3) Finding secluded locations in the licensed premises where employees cannot monitor

their activity.

(1) Having multiple interactions with patrons to evaluate their moods and needs;

(2) Listening to patron complaints, compliments, and suggestions for improvement of

service;

(3) Sharing feedback with management; and

(4) Recognizing that better service and patron engagement will help the establishment be

more popular and more productive.

§167. Accreditation Agencies Application and Standards.

(a) To seek approval to be an accreditation agency, a business entity must submit the

following information to the department:

(1) Legal entity name and DBA;

(2) Legal structure of the business entity;

(3) A business entity subject to registration with the California Secretary of State, must

provide proof of that registration, including person designated for service of process and their

contact information;

(4) A list of owners and officers, their contact information, personal identification

information, and titles;

(5) Email contact information;

(6) Telephone contact information;

(7) Business address;

(8) Mailing address if different;

(9) A list of any arrests or convictions for crimes of moral turpitude by owners or officers

of the business entity;

(10) An affidavit explaining in writing how the business entity, its owners, and officers

comply with the accreditation agency approval criteria;

(11) Descriptions of accreditation policies and procedures to approve training providers

and RBS training courses using the standards in Business and Professions code § 25681(b) and

California Code of Regulations Title 4 §168(b); and

(12) Fingerprints of all owners and officers;

(A) To be valid, each fingerprinting shall be verified by a governmental body such as a

notary or through an electronic fingerprinting service such as Live Scan.

(B) The department is not responsible for the payment of any fees associated with the

review or validation of criminal history by fingerprint of any owner or officer; and

(13) The initial review fee set forth in this section, subsection (m)(1).

(b) Approval criteria for an accreditation agency:

(1) An accreditation agency, its owners and officers, director, employees, or agents shall

not have any ownership interest, directly or indirectly, in the business, property or license of any

ABC licensee;

(2) An accreditation agency, its owners and officers, director, employees, or agents shall

not have any ownership interest, directly or indirectly, in the business or property of any training

provider;

(3) An accreditation agency, its owners, and officers shall not be RBS trainers.

(4) An accreditation agency shall have the ability to provide technical support to training

providers it accredits;

(5) An accreditation agency shall apply the same standards for approval of RBS training

providers and RBS training courses used by the department as set forth in Business and

Professions code § 25681(b) and California Code of Regulations Title 4 §168(b);

(6) An accreditation agency shall maintain strict data security protocols that protect

disclosure of private training provider information, including payment information, received

during its RBS training course approval process; and

(7) An accreditation agency’s owners and officers must not have been convicted of any

crimes of moral turpitude, as that term is applied to ABC license holders under Business and

Professions Code §24200(d).

agency application, the prospective accreditation agency will have 60 days to respond from the

date the department’s request is issued. If the prospective accreditation agency does not respond

within the specified period, the application will be deemed abandoned and withdrawn. The

accreditation agency’s response is considered received the day it is delivered to the department

either electronically, in person, or by mail.

(d) Accreditation agencies shall maintain current contact information with the

department. Any department communication is presumed received and notice requirements are

deemed effective if the communication is sent to the accreditation agency using the contact

information on record.

(e) Accreditation agencies shall maintain current lists of all owners and officers and

ensure any changes to its owners and officers continue to comply with the accreditation agency

approval criteria.

(f) When approving a training provider or RBS training course, an accreditation agency

shall use the policies and procedures to approve training providers and RBS training courses it

submitted to the department under California Code of Regulations Title 4 §167(a)(11).

(g) An accreditation agency shall notify the department through the department’s online

certification system within five business days of any training provider accreditation given.

(h) An accreditation agency shall provide the department with a record of all information

the accreditation agency received from the training provider during its approval process. The

record must include the following documents; the RBS training course; handouts, electronic

files, or transcripts; explanation and affidavit that the training provider complies with all training

provider approval criteria; written explanation of the interactivity elements in the RBS training

course; written explanation of training provider’s compliance with the record keeping, customer

support, and security requirements; and the list of any arrests or convictions for crimes of moral

turpitude by the individual, or owners or officers of the business entity.

(i) The record shall be submitted to the department in electronic formats through the

department’s online certification system.

(j) The department may deny, revoke, or suspend an accreditation agency approval if it

finds any of the following conduct by the accreditation agency:

(1) The accreditation agency does not meet the approval criteria;

(2) The accreditation agency application is incomplete;

(3) The accreditation agency misrepresented material facts in its application;

(4) The department is informed an owner or officer of the accreditation agency has

committed a crime of moral turpitude, as that term is applied to ABC license holders under

Business and Professions Code §24200(d);

(5) The accreditation agency fails to inform the department of a change in its owners or

officers.

(6) The accreditation agency perpetuates a fraud in approving training providers;

(7) The accreditation agency does not provide the department with requested records

justifying training provider approvals;

(8) The accreditation agency fails to notify the department of training provider approvals;

(9) The accreditation agency does not follow the standards set forth in Business and

Professions code § 25681(b) and California Code of Regulations Title 4 §168(b) to approve

training providers.

(k) The department authorization to be an accreditation agency grants the accreditation

agency the due process rights accorded to ABC licensees under Business and Professions code §

23009 but does not grant a license to the accreditation agency. If an accreditation agency wishes

to challenge a department decision to deny, suspend, or revoke department authorization, it is

subject to the processes, procedures, and due process rights of licensees under Business and

Professions Code Division 9 Chapters 6 – 8.

(l) The accreditation agency must renew its approval annually.

(1) Approvals expire at midnight on the last day of the month in which the approval was

given in the previous year.

(2) On or before the first day of the month preceding the month that the approval

expires, the department shall notify the accreditation agency using the contact information on file

with the department.

(3) To seek renewal, the accreditation agency shall submit an itemized list of any changes

it has made since its submission of its initial application, or last annual renewal, that modifies

how the accreditation agency approves training providers, approves RBS training courses, or

complies with the accreditation agency approval criteria. The accreditation agency shall submit

the annual renewal fee set out in California Code of Regulations Title 4 § 167 (m)(2).

(4) The department shall review the submitted list of changes and renew the accreditation

agency using the same approval standards as the initial review.

(5) If an approval expires pursuant to subsection (l)(1), the approval may still be renewed

within 60 calendar days of the expiration following the process described in subsection (l)(3).

For renewals submitted during this 60-day time period, the accreditation agency shall submit

payment of the annual renewal fee set out in California Code of Regulations Title 4 § 167 (m)(2),

plus a penalty fee that shall be equal to 50 percent of the annual renewal fee.

(6) Unless otherwise terminated, or until renewed, an approval that is in effect during the

expiration month shall continue in effect through midnight of the 60th day following expiration

of the approval pursuant to subsection (l)(1), at which time it is automatically cancelled.

(7) On or before the 10th day preceding the cancellation of the approval pursuant to

subsection (l)(6), the department shall notify the accreditation agency using the contact

information on file with the department that its approval will be cancelled under California Code

of Regulations Title 4 § 167(l)(6).

(m) The following non-refundable fees are established to recover the reasonable costs of

the department for review, approval, and renewal of the accreditation agency standards:

(1) Initial accreditation agency review fee of $1000.00; and

(2) Annual renewal fee of $250.00.

§168. Training provider application and standards.

(a) To seek departmental approval to be a training provider, an individual or business

entity must submit the following information to the department through its online certification

system to complete an application:

(1) Legal entity name and DBA;

(2) Legal structure of the business entity;

(3) A business entity subject to registration with the California Secretary of State must

provide proof of that registration, including person(s) designated for service of process and their

contact information;

(4) A list of owners and officers, their contact information, personal identification

information, and titles;

(5) Email contact information;

(6) Telephone contact information;

(7) Business address;

(8) Mailing address, if different;

(9) A proposed RBS training course, consisting of an electronic program, electronic files,

recordings, transcripts, or course outline to be approved by the department, and an itemized and

tabulated record of how the proposed RBS training course complies with California Code of

Regulations Title 4 §§161-166;

(10) Written explanation of the interactivity elements to be used in its proposed RBS

training course required by California Code of Regulations Title 4 §161 (b);

(11) A copy of the handouts, electronic files, or transcripts detailing the RBS training

course content provided to alcohol servers for their use after completing the RBS training course

as required by California Code of Regulations Title 4 §161 (c);

(12) Affidavit explaining how and attesting that the training provider complies with each

training provider approval criteria in subsection (b) of this section;

(13) A list of any arrests or convictions for crimes of moral turpitude by the owners or

officers of the business entity; and

(14) The initial review fee set forth in California Code of Regulations Title 4 § 168.3(l)(1).

(b) Approval criteria for training providers:

(1) A training provider must meet the background and expertise requirement in Business

and Professions Code § 25681 (b)(1)(A), meaning a training provider must have at least one

owner, employee, or consultant with degrees, work experience, or certifications in alcohol,

training, hospitality, and psychology included in the creation of its RBS training course;

(2) A training provider’s proposed RBS training course(s) must comply with the

minimum standard curriculum as set forth in California Code of Regulations Title 4 §§161-166

herein and be approved by the department or an accreditation agency prior to its use.

(3) Training providers must comply with requirement in Business and Professions Code

§ 25681 (b)(1)(B) for keeping records of alcohol server certifications issued. Training providers

may use the department’s online certification system as a compliant record keeping program;

(4) Training providers must comply with the requirement in Business and Professions

Code § 25681 (b)(1)(C) to have the ability to give technical support required for alcohol servers

to complete their RBS training course;

(5) Training providers must comply with the requirement in Business and Professions

Code § 25681 (b)(1)(D) for data security protocols for any collected alcohol server information,

online payments, and alcohol server certification records kept outside the department’s online

certificate system; and

(6) Training providers’ owners and officers must not have been convicted of any crimes

of moral turpitude, as that term is applied to ABC license holders under Business and Professions

Code §24200(d).

provider application, the prospective training provider will have 60 days to respond from the date

the department’s request is issued. If the prospective training provider does not respond in the

specified time period, the application will be deemed abandoned and withdrawn. The training

provider’s response is considered received the day it is delivered to ABC either electronically, in

person, or by mail.

§168.1. Registration of training providers approved by an accreditation agency.

(a) If a training provider and its RBS training course are approved through an

accreditation agency, the training provider does not need to pay any departmental fees for the

initial review of its RBS training course.

(b) If a training provider and its RBS training course is approved through an accreditation

agency, the training provider must provide the following registration information to the

department after or concurrent with accreditation agency approval in order to operate under their

approval:

(1) Legal entity name and DBA;

(2) Legal structure of the business entity;

(3) A business entity subject to registration with the California Secretary of State, must

provide proof of that registration, including person designated for service of process and their

contact information;

(4) A list of owners and officers, their contact information, personal identification

information, and titles;

(5) Telephone contact information;

(6) Business Address; and

(7) Mailing Address if different.

process for all owners and officers required under California Code of Regulations Title 4 §

168.2.

§168.2. Fingerprinting by the department for all training providers.

(a) After, or concurrent to, the approval of a training provider by either the department or

an accreditation agency, the training provider must provide fingerprints of all its owners and

officers to the department. To be valid, each fingerprinting shall be verified by a governmental

body such as a notary or through an electronic fingerprinting service such as Live Scan.

(b) The department must receive the results of the verified fingerprints of all owners and

officers prior to the training provider being placed upon the department’s approved training-

provider list.

review or validation of the criminal history of any owner or officer by fingerprint.

§ 168.3. Training provider review, modifications, and fees.

(a) A training provider shall maintain current contact information within the

department’s online certification system and notice from the department is deemed effective if it

contacts the training provider using the information on record.

(b) A training provider shall maintain current lists of its owners and officers and ensure

any changes to its owners and officers continue to comply with the training provider approval

criteria.

the department whenever providing RBS training to alcohol servers under the RBSTPA.

(d) A training provider must notify the department using the online certification system

within 24 hours of an alcohol server’s completion of an approved RBS training course. Upon

receiving this notification, the department will grant access to the alcohol server certification

exam to the alcohol server through the online certification system registration under California

Code of Regulations Title 4 § 170(b).

(e) The department shall review the effectiveness of all training provider RBS training

courses through analysis of data collected when administering alcohol server certification exams.

The department shall make the alcohol server certification exam data pertaining to a training

provider’s students available to the training provider through the department’s online

certification system.

(f) The department may deny, revoke, or suspend a training provider approval if it finds

any of the following conduct by the training provider:

(1) The training provider does not meet the approval standards in this section;

(2) The training provider application is incomplete;

(3) The training provider misrepresented material facts within its application;

(4) The department is informed an owner or officer of the training provider has

committed a crime of moral turpitude, as that term is applied to ABC license holders under

Business and Professions Code §24200(d).;

(5) The training provider fails to inform the department of a change in its owners and

officers;

(6) The training provider’s RBS training course does not follow the standards set forth in

Business and Professions code § 25681(b) and California Code of Regulations Title 4 §168;

(7) The training provider is not teaching from its RBS training course submitted toon file

with the department pursuant to California Code of Regulations Title 4 § 168(a)(9)-(10), or the

RBS training course it submitted to the accreditation agency submitted to the department

pursuant to California Code of Regulations Title 4 § 167(h);

(8) The training provider fails to timely inform the department when an alcohol server

has completed their RBS training course;

(9) The training provider fails to comply with a mandatory modification request from the

department as outlined in California Code of Regulations Title 4 § 168.3(f); or

(10) The training provider perpetuates a fraud within the department’s online certification

system.

(g) If the department requires a modification of all RBS training course materials due to a

change in referenced law or the completion of a rulemaking action:

(1) The department shall notify the training provider in writing with a detailed list of the

mandatory changes;

(2) The training provider shall have 60 days from the date notice is sent by the

department to respond and provide an estimate of the length of time the training provider will

need to complete the modification;

(3) If the training provider does not respond to the department’s request within the

specified time, the training provider’s approval will be deemed withdrawn;

(4) The training provider shall modify their program within a reasonable time based on

the amount of mandatory changes required and submit a record of all changes to the existing

program to the department for approval;

(5) The department shall review the training provider’s RBS training course without any

additional fees for a mandatory modification;

(6) The department shall use the same standards of approval for any modification as with

the initial approval of an RBS training course; and

(7) The training provider shall not use the modified course until it has been approved by

the department.

(h) If a training provider chooses to modify its RBS training course without a legal

requirement to do so:

(1) The training provider shall seek approval from an accreditation agency, or the

department;

(2) The training provider will notify the department or accreditation agency in writing

with a detailed change log of all changes made to the RBS training that was submitted to the

department under California Code of Regulations Title 4 § 168(a)(9)-(10), or the RBS training

course it submitted to the accreditation agency submitted to the department under California

Code of Regulations Title 4 § 167(h);

(3) The department after receiving a modification request from a training provider will

determine if the modification constitutes a substantial change and notify the training provider of

its decision in writing;

(4) If the department finds the modification request constitutes a substantial change, the

request is subject to an initial review fee as itemized in California Code of Regulations Title 4

§168.3(l)(1).

(5) A substantial change is a modification to an approved RBS training course to the

extent that the department must review most of the approved RBS training course to reapprove

its suitability, including but not limited to, a 50 percent or greater change of submitted content or

a new language translation;

(6) The department shall review a modification request for an RBS training course

without any additional fees, unless the department determines that the modification constitutes a

substantial change;

(7) The department or accreditation agency shall use the same standards of approval for

any modification as with the initial approval of an RBS training course; and

(8) The training provider shall not use the modified course until it has been approved by

the department or an accreditation agency.

(i) If a training provider wishes to create a new RBS training course, either in format,

presentation, language, or by a substantial change from its existing RBS training course:

(1) The training provider must provide an itemized and tabulated record demonstrating

that the proposed RBS training course complies with California Code of Regulations Title 4

§§162-166 to the department or an accreditation agency;

(2) If submitted to the department, the training provider must pay an additional RBS

training course initial approval fee set out in California Code of Regulations Title 4 § 168.3(l)(1)

for review and approval of the proposed RBS training course; and

(3) The department and accreditation agency shall use the same standards for approval of

the new RBS training course as if it was an initial training provider application.

(j) The department authorization to be a training provider grants the training provider the

due process rights as a licensee under Business and Professions code § 23009 but does not grant

an ABC license to the training provider. If a training provider wishes to challenge a department

decision to deny, suspend, or revoke department authorization, it is subject to the processes,

procedures, and due process rights of licensees under Business and Professions Code Division 9

chapters 6 – 8.

(k) A training provider must renew its approval annually with the department or an

accreditation agency to ensure it continues to comply with the statutory and regulatory standards

of the RBSTPA and any mandatory content added to the curriculum requirements by the

department.

(1) Approvals expire at midnight on the last day of the month in which the approval was

given in the previous year.

(2) On or before the first day of the month preceding the month that the approval expires,

the department shall notify the training provider using the contact information on file with the

department.

(3) To seek renewal, the training provider shall submit an itemized list of any changes it

has made since its submission of its initial application, or last annual renewal, that modifies how

the training provider complies with the training provider approval criteria.

(4) If seeking renewal from the department, the training provider shall submit the annual

review fee set out in California Code of Regulations Title 4 § 168.3 (l)(2) for each approved RBS

training course currently being used.

(5) The department or accreditation agency shall review the submitted list of changes and

renew the training provider using the same approval standards as the initial review.

(6) If an accreditation agency gives an approval, it is subject to the same reporting

requirements to the department under California Code of Regulations Title 4 § 167(g)-(i).

(7) If an approval expires pursuant to subsection (k)(1), the approval may still be

renewed within 60 calendar days of the expiration following the process described in subsection

(k)(3). For renewals submitted to the department during this 60-day period, the training provider

shall submit payment of the annual renewal fee set out in California Code of Regulations Title 4

§ 168.3(l)(2), plus a penalty fee that shall be equal to 50 percent of the annual fee.

(8) Unless otherwise terminated, or until renewed, an approval that is in effect during the

expiration month continues in effect through midnight of the 60th day following expiration of the

approval pursuant to subsection (k)(1), at which time it is automatically cancelled.

(9) On or before the 10th day preceding the cancellation of the approval pursuant to

subsection (k)(8), the department shall notify the accreditation agency using the contact

information on file with the department that its approval will be cancelled under California Code

of Regulations Title 4 § 168.3(k)(8)

(l) The following non-refundable fees are set to recover the reasonable costs of the

department for approval, oversight, and enforcement of the above training provider standards:

(1) RBS training course initial approval fee of $1000.00; and

(2) Annual renewal fee of $250.00 per approved RBS training course.

§169. ABC On-Premises Licensee Certification Record Requirements

(a) An ABC on-premises licensee can only establish the validity of its employees’

alcohol server certifications within the department’s online certification system.

(b) An ABC on-premises licensee may maintain records of employee alcohol server

certifications, as required by Business and Professions code § 25682(b)(1), within the

department’s online certification system.

the online certification system for employed alcohol servers prior to their certificate’s expiration,

but the department does not otherwise have a duty to notify licensees when an alcohol server

certification held by an ABC on-premises licensee’s employee or contractor is expiring. An ABC

on-premises licensee may request to opt out of automatic notifications for their alcohol servers.

(d) An ABC on-premises licensee must ensure that a certified alcohol server is recertified

prior to the expiration, or they will be subject to the prohibition found in Business and

Professions code § 25683.

(e) If an ABC on-premises licensee wishes to use the affirmative defense found in

Business and Professions Code § 25682 (b)(2), the ABC on-premises licensee must provide to

the department:

(1) The date and records of the alcohol server’s initial employment; and

(2) Six preceding months of payroll records for all employees.

(f) The 60-day grace period for the affirmative defense found in Business and

Professions Code § 25682 (b)(2) applies only to the date of initial employment, and not for

alcohol server certification renewals.

§170. Administration of the alcohol server certification exam database

(a) The department shall prepare the alcohol server certification examination using the

topics and information contained in California Code of Regulations Title 4 §§162 -166.

(b) Alcohol servers shall register with the department’s electronic certification system

prior to taking the alcohol server certification exam and provide the following information to

establish their alcohol-server profile:

(1) Legal name;

(2) Birthdate;

(3) Email;

(4) Zip code of current residence; and

(5) Personal identification information, which may be the last four digits or characters of

any of the following: a state issued identification number, state issued driver’s license number,

social security number, tax identification number, or employment identification number. The

alcohol server is required to notify the department of which personal identification information

is used to register.

servers shall pay a $3.00 non-refundable registration fee electronically through the department’s

online certificate system to reimburse the department for the upkeep, enforcement, and record

keeping within the online certificate system.

(d) The department shall administer the alcohol server certification exam only to alcohol

servers who have completed an approved RBS training course from an approved training

provider.

(e) The alcohol server certification exam will test alcohol servers on the topics and

information outlined in §§162-166.

(f) Alcohol servers must answer at least 70% of questions on the alcohol server

certification exam correctly in order to be issued an alcohol server certification by their training

provider.

(g) Alcohol servers will have 30 days from their completion of an RBS training course or

three attempts to successfully pass the alcohol server certification exam, whichever comes first.

(h) The department shall provide results of alcohol server certification exams to the

training provider who provided the associated RBS training course. If the alcohol server has a

passing score, the training provider shall issue the valid alcohol server certification as specified

in Business and Professions Code § 25681(d).

(i) If an alcohol server fails to successfully pass the alcohol server certification exam

within the above time limits or number of attempts, they shall complete an additional approved

RBS training course prior to paying an additional $3.00 non-refundable registration fee to the

department for another set of attempts at the alcohol server certification exam.

(j) Alcohol servers’ certification records will be kept within the department’s online

certification system.

(k) The department shall notify an alcohol server ninety, sixty, and thirty days prior to

their certification’s expiration date at the email address submitted to the department by the

alcohol server.

(l) To renew an alcohol server certification, an alcohol server must complete an

approved RBS training course, pass the alcohol server certification exam, and pay a $3.00 non-

refundable registration fee to the department in the same manner as for initial certification.

§171. Emergency decisions for accreditation agency or training provider misconduct.

(a) If an accreditation agency or a training provider is allowing alcohol servers to receive

alcohol server certifications without completing an approved RBS training course, it is deemed

to be an immediate danger to the public health, safety, and welfare that requires immediate

action under Government code § 11460.30 due to the harm and cost of the overuse of alcohol to

the community by untrained alcohol servers.

(b) To address an immediate danger to the public health, safety, and welfare that requires

immediate action, the department may prepare a petition and hearing for emergency decision as

specified under Government Code §§ 11460.40 and 11460.50.

§172. Hearing to determine accreditation agency or training provider misconduct.

(a) For any hearing regarding a revocation, suspension, or denial of an approval by the

department for either an accreditation agency or a training provider, the department, in its

exclusive discretion, shall consider scheduling the hearing at a time, including evening hours,

and at a place convenient to all parties to a proceeding, including those witnesses required to be

present, and the public affected.

(b) These hearings are otherwise controlled by Business and Professions Code § 24300 et

seq.

§173. Penalty assessment for ABC licensee violation.

(a) The penalty guideline for an ABC licensee in violation of Business and Professions

code § 25683 is a 10-day suspension.

(b) For an administrative penalty imposed upon an ABC licensee for violation of

Business and Professions code § 25683, an administrative law judge may consider the following

factors, among others, for either aggravation or mitigation:

(1) percentage of employees without a certification;

(2) the length of time one or more employees is employed without a certification; and

(3) any prior warnings given to the ABC licensee regarding alcohol server certification

requirements under the RBSTPA.

served consecutively, not concurrently, with other alcohol-service related offenses.