Server Training

Server training is an important safety tool that teaches people in the liquor industry about serving responsibly. It covers how to protect minors and intoxicated people, and how to encourage low-risk, moderate consumption. In the NWT, server training is a mandatory condition on all liquor licences, and is required for some Special Occasion Permit holders. Liquor store vendors are encouraged, but not required, to take server training. The training program is provided by liquor inspectors via in-person sessions, and an online version of the program is being developed. 

Making server training mandatory across the industry would provide a consistent approach to safety. Requiring people to recertify regularly is also a safeguard. The disadvantage is that employee turnover is high and tracking who does/does not have up-to-date training could be a challenge. 

Security Training

Server training, as described in the previous section, covers basic security issues. Security training, on the other hand, is entirely focused on how to de-escalate situations and how to safely deal with people who are intoxicated or unruly. In the NWT, licence holders and store vendors decide for themselves whether they require security personnel. They may or may not provide their own security training. The legislation requires Special Occasion Permit-holders to designate one or more people as event supervisors and may require them to take server training, but not security training. 

At any time, permit holders, licence holders or liquor store vendors may request advice about security from the Liquor Enforcement program, although no formal security training program has been established. Canadian jurisdictions vary on this issue. In some places, security training is mandatory for anyone selling/serving liquor. In some places, security training is mandatory for a particular class of licence or certain sizes of premises. In other places, security training is mandatory only if a licence holder has violated the legislation.