621 Servers Earn TIPS in 2005

Contact: Lynn M. Walding, Administrator 515.281-7402 / 515.229.7777

Iowa City (September 27, 2005) – Iowa City servers have earned their share of TIPS over the past two months. And these TIPS may prove to be more valuable than a few dollar bills.

The Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division, in conjunction with the Iowa City Police Department, offered a series of Training for Intervention ProcedureS (TIPS) classes to Iowa City servers in August and September. A total of 627 servers were trained in the program, which was designed to assist employees at bars and restaurants in preventing alcohol sales to minors and intoxicated patrons.

The turnout for the 2005 TIPS sessions, which were held August 15 - 18 and Sept. 19 - 24, was just short of the 649 servers who attended a similar round of TIPS sessions in 2003. Nevertheless, Lynn Walding, Administrator of the Division, said the 1,236 servers trained in the past two years are statement of the city’s attention to responsible retailing.

“The Division applauds the efforts by the local bar owners to have their servers TIPS trained,” Walding said. “A proactive approach to responsible retailing is an important component to running a safe and compliant establishment. Many Iowa City bar owners deserve praise for mandating that their employees attend the TIPS sessions.”

A total of 47 establishments sent servers to be trained on the fundamentals of Iowa’s alcohol laws, checking identification and effectively refusing service to underage and intoxicated patrons. The establishments receive an affirmative defense against a civil penalty if a TIPS certified employee slips up and makes an illegal alcohol sale. TIPS certified employees are still subject to criminal penalties for illegal sales, but Walding said trained servers would be better apt to avoid such penalties.

“The TIPS program teaches servers the red flags associated with a potentially illegal sale,” Walding said. “Trained servers are more aware of the warning signs and, consequently, are less likely to engage in selling alcohol to a minor or intoxicated patron.”

The Division’s last round of TIPS sessions in 2003 appeared to be successful as none of the businesses who sent servers exercised affirmative defenses. But with a high turnover rate of alcohol-service employees and a two-year expiration on TIPS certification, the Division recognized the importance of continuing the training.

“As long as Iowa City has a high volume of establishments that serve alcohol near the university, it will be important to continue educating servers on responsible retailing practices,” Walding said. “It is also important for the state, the city and local bar owners to continue their cooperation in offering TIPS training.

“The best thing to mix with alcohol is education.”

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