What is Serving It Right?

The goal of a responsible beverage service program is to reduce alcohol-related problems. Serving It Right (SIR) is BC’s responsible beverage service program. SIR is designed for:

• people working in tourism and hospitality, 
• individuals whose special occasion licence requires them to have Serving It Right, 
• keeping customers and the public safe while allowing them to enjoy the benefits and pleasures that good food and drink can bring, 
• encouraging a responsible, caring and professional approach to the serving of alcohol.

Who must have a Serving It Right Certificate?

Whether or not you—or your staff—require a Serving It Right certificate generally depends on the type of liquor licence you have. There are four types of licences issued to establishments or individuals serving food and beverages:

• Food-primary licence (restaurants) - This type of licence is issued to restaurants or food outlets where the service of food, not liquor, is the primary focus. Licensees, managers and all those who may be left in charge need to have a SIR certificate. If you have a restaurant lounge endorsement, the SIR program must be completed by all servers, not just those working in the lounge.
• Liquor-primary licence (bars, pubs, nightclubs, casinos, stadiums) - This licence is issued to establishments whose primary business is hospitality, entertainment or beverage service, including bars, pubs, nightclubs, casinos and stadiums. Licensees, managers, servers and bartenders in these establishments must all have SIR certificates.
• Licensee retail store licence (private liquor stores) - Licensee retail stores, commonly known as private liquor stores, may sell all types of liquor. All licensees, managers and sales staff at BC retail liquor stores must have SIR certificates.
• Special occasion licence - A special occasion licence (SOL) is required for not-for-profit special occasions such as weddings and community festivals where alcoholic drinks will be served or sold. With permission, funds can also be raised for a bona fide charity. If you or your organization plan to serve alcoholic drinks in a public place, other than a private residence, or sell alcoholic drinks at an event held anywhere including a private residence, you need a SOL. Whether or not staff need SIR certificates depends on a number of factors. Consult your local police, or the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch.

How Can I Take the Serving It Right Program?

Serving It Right is a self-study program; it can be conveniently taken online at www.servingitright.com, by mail, fax or in person. The online exam can be taken anytime once you have created an account. The price for the online exam is $35.