Sonoma County Responsible Beverage Service Training

The Sonoma County Department of Health Services has been providing Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Training to CA State Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) licensed establishments in Sonoma County for over a decade. Our motivation to partner with the alcohol industry and offer these courses is driven by our ongoing commitment to substance use prevention and education. This includes, but is not limited to, preventing sales to minors and sales/service to obviously intoxicated individuals. Our ultimate goal is to protect the public health and safety of Sonoma County residents.

Until recently, RBS training has only been required for ABC licensees in cities and counties through the enactment of local policies and regulations. Included in these rulings have been on-sale establishments (bars, restaurants, cafes, wineries, breweries) and off-sale establishments (stores, markets, mini-marts, gas stations).

With the passage of CA Assembly Bill 1221, beginning July 1, 2022, RBS training will be mandated for all alcoholic beverage servers and managers in on-sale establishments statewide with the requirement to successfully complete an ABC-approved RBS training course and RBS online exam, no later than August 31, 2022 (or within 60 days for new hires). For more information about AB1221 click on the link below: https://www.abc.ca.gov/education/rbs/frequently-asked-questions

The Department of Health Services, Behavioral Health Division is proud to announce that our RBS training was approved by the ABC in May, 2021, (and renewed in May, 2024), the first County in the State to achieve this certification as a Training Provider. Our 4-hour virtual trainings are offered at no cost and meet all the state requirements. The trainings also allow off-sale establishments to meet local city municipal code regulations.

AB1221 requirements for Servers and Managers:

• Register onthe ABC RBS Portal https://abcbiz.abc.ca.gov/, pay a $3 fee and obtain a Server ID#.
• Complete an ABC approved RBS training.
• Pass the ABC online RBS exam within 30 days of completing the training.

To register for an upcoming RBS training, please click on:

lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/g3j3xae

For more information, contact Andrea Pickett andrea.pickett@sonoma-county.org or call (707) 565-4894