AGLC - ProServe Program

ProServe Liquor Staff Training is the new name for ASIP. We have made some improvements to the website and changed the look, but the program is essentially the same

Who is required to take it? And by when?

Under AGLC policy, Class A, B, D, E, Duty Free, and Commercial Public Special Event licensees are required to have staff certified under ProServe Liquor Staff Training. Training is being phased in according to the following timeline:

Effective January 1, 2010, all new hires working in licensed premises, either full or part-time, with the exception of kitchen staff and bus persons, will have 30 days from their employment start date to successfully complete ProServe.

In addition, registered representatives, including liquor merchandisers, must successfully complete ProServe.

Online students
If you took the online course, simply log on to your ProServe account, select “My Account” from the menu, then “Personal Information” from the drop-down menu. The bottom of the sheet will list your ProServe exam completion date and can be printed off for your employer. A second copy should be kept on your person while you are at work. AGLC inspectors will accept this print-out as proof of your training.

Seminar or self-directed students
If you took your training in a facilitated seminar or though the self-directed program, please call 1-877-436-6336 (between the hours of 8:15am-4:00pm) and tell the operator you’re calling about the temporary ProServe documentation. When you speak with a ProServe representative, you will be asked for a personal e-mail address, and you will be given online access and assigned a temporary password to your account.

Other info:
You should receive your official ProServe certificate within six to eight weeks after the exam has been received by the AGLC. If you have not received your certificate in this time-frame, or if you have any other questions please call 1-877-436-6336.

Why was it created? What are the benefits of this training?

The ultimate goal of ProServe Liquor Staff Training is to promote responsible liquor service in Alberta.

Training topics include legal responsibilities and liabilities of licencees and servers, identifying intoxication, responsible service strategies, handling situations involving minors, and discontinuing or refusing service or sale of alcohol. Staff training helps to reduce the problems caused by underage drinking, over-consumption, impaired driving and liquor-related violence.

Be sure to advise your insurance company that your staff have completed the ProServe Liquor Staff Training course. ProServe Liquor Staff Training can give your staff the knowledge and confidence they need to help reduce your risk of liability and to enhance the safety of your premises.

A BIT OF HISTORY: In 2004, the AGLC launched ASIP (Alberta Server Intervention Program), an industry-led training program for all staff who sell and serve liquor. ASIP was developed from a number of separate programs in order to provide standardized training across the province.

Are there exceptions?

Anyone serving liquor under the authority of private special event license, Class C licence or Community Public Resale Special Event license does not need ProServe.

Class C Licensees
The Class C license is issued to places such as clubs, legions, canteens, traveler's lounges, schools, hospitals, and seniors' residences. Class C licensees do NOT require ProServe for staff or volunteers.

HOWEVER... any venue that sells or serves liquor, even if it is a private club, is exposed to the same legal liability issues as commercial venues. Individuals who work or volunteer in a Class C licensed premises are strongly encouraged to complete ProServe Liquor Staff Training at NO COST.

Community Public Resale Special Event Licensees
Community Public Resale Special Event licensees are issued to non-profit or volunteer organizations or municipalities hosting a community event, like a local rodeo.

ProServe gives staff the knowledge and confidence necessary to help reduce their risk of liability and to enhance the safety of their premises.

ProServe is available at NO COST for all Class C or Public Resale Special Event licensees.

To register or for more information, please contact ProServe office at 1-877-436-6336 or visit proserve.aglc.ca.

How do I register? How much does it cost?

Registration is available online at proserve.aglc.ca.

Online training costs $25.

Self-directed study (with a printed manual and DVD or VHS tape) costs $50.

A facilitated classroom seminar costs $50.

GST is added to all prices. Shipping charges for the self-directed course also apply.

A Train-the-Trainer workshop is available for a cost of $355, plus GST. This will allow the business owner or delegate to provide in-house sessions for all staff for just the cost of the printed manuals.

To register, or if you have questions, contact ProServe at 1-877-436-6336.

How do I know if I passed?

Your results are provided immediately after you take the exam online. For the self-directed or seminar options, the exams must be mailed in for marking.

If you pass, you will receive your certificate and wallet-sized card in the mail. If you do not pass, you will receive a letter informing you of your next steps. Please allow 2-3 weeks for the grading and mailing process.

What if I already took other training?

ASIP certification will remain valid until the expiration date printed on the wallet-sized card.

Liquor training programs from outside the province of Alberta are not transferable.

What happens if I do not comply?

ProServe is mandatory under AGLC policy. Licensees who employ non-certified workers after January 1, 2010 can be issued a warning, fine, license suspension or licence termination.

AGLC policies are available online, click here to view Liquor Policies.

ProServe Liquor Staff Training

What is ProServe Liquor Staff Training? Is it new?