Training for Intervention Procedures

TIPS is a nationally-recognized program that teaches bartenders, waitstaff, and retail vendors about the legal responsibilities of selling alcohol, how to identify fake IDs, and how to recognize intoxicated patrons and refuse sales when necessary. The Partnership has offered this program regularly since 2002, and in that time period has trained over 200 people from roughly 50 local establishments. Partnership-sponsored courses are scheduled each May and October, but based on demand, additional classes can be scheduled at any time.

The courses are geared for either bar and restaurant staff or retail and package store staff, and are taught by certified TIPS trainers. Participants must pass a multiple-choice exam to receive a certification card. Certification is valid for three years.

Each TIPS course consists of three main areas of focus: Information, Skills Training, and Practice/Rehearsal.

Information:

l Behavioral Cues  - Visible, progressive signs of intoxication
l Blood Alcohol Content - The level of alcohol in a person's bloodstream
l Absorption Rate Factors - Factors that affect the absorption of alcohol
l Effective Responses - Intervention strategies to prevent alcohol-related problems
l Checking IDs - Proper formats and things to look for on an ID
l State-Specific Information - Including laws that relate to alcohol and/or alcohol servers
l Documenting Incidents - Forms to use to document problem situations

Skills Training

This section is presented in two parts:  Evaluating Cues and Evaluating Responses. Participants review a short video scene, rate the scene according to a predetermined rating chart, and then explain why they chose the rating they did. This section helps develop participants' ability to assess behavior and intoxication levels, and determine appropriate responses to each situation.

Practice/Rehearsal

Participants participate in role-playing exercises to demonstarte their ability to effectively intervene in difficult alcohol-related situations. The trainers and other participants offer feedback on the intervention techniques used.

More information can be found at the TIPS website, at http://www.gettips.com. TIPS is available through Health Communications, Inc., based in Arlington, Virginia.

Our Trainers

Officer John Kelly works for the Saratoga Springs Police Department, and offers expertise from a law enforcement point of view.

Andy Nolan is an Albany firefighter who often bartends for firehouse events and who also has many years of experience in the restaurant industry.

Schedule a Training

Aside from the scheduled programs the Partnership for Prevention offers twice a year, usually in May and October, Partnership staff are happy to schedule additional TIPS courses for interested businesses as the need arises. At least 15 participants are needed for a class to take place. The course can be held at the Partnership offices at 36 Phila Street in Saratoga Springs, NY, or at the bar or restaurant whose staff will be trained.

For more information, call 518-581-1230 or send e-mail to robin@preventioncouncil.org.

Local Businesses that have participated in TIPS training include: