Qualitative assessment of training programs for alcohol servers and establishment managers.

OBJECTIVE In an attempt to reduce the societal burden associated with alcohol-related problems such as underage drinking and drunk driving, some local communities and state governments mandate training programs for employees of establishments that serve or sell alcoholic beverages. This study was designed to assess the available training programs for employees and managers and to identify states that either mandate training programs or encourage them by reducing establishments' legal liability. METHODS Training programs were identified through the Internet, key informants, and the research literature. Three researchers independently rated each of 22 local and national programs across 10 categories. In addition, the authors surveyed alcoholic beverage control agencies and legislative research bureaus in the 50 U.S. states. RESULTS The results show that training programs are not standardized and vary widely in content, use of behavior change methods, and production quality. Most programs targeted waitstaff and bartenders. Only one program exclusively targeted owners and managers. CONCLUSIONS National standards must be developed for training programs for servers, managers, and owners.