[Portland] Oregon Restaurant Association President & CEO Michael McCallum commended the OLCC Commissioners for their decision to make alcohol server education available in an online format. "The Commissioners, in voting to expand web-based training delivery, have taken a pioneering step in positioning Oregon once again as a national leader in providing responsible alcohol service training. We were the first state to mandate training 20 years ago, and we will continue to lead the way with our high standards," he said.

On February 15th, the OLCC Commissioners voted to allow alcohol server training to be delivered in an online format for the initial course after lengthy deliberation. Classroom courses will continue, however the Commissioners stated their desire to allow Oregon's alcohol servers and their employers the option to choose training that best meets their needs.

Online access to initial alcohol server training has been under discussion for several years. The Alcohol Server Education Advisory Committee at the OLCC has deliberated on the issue for at least three years, and voted to endorse online delivery one week prior to the Commission decision.

Oregonians who serve alcohol at licensed premises are required by state law to complete alcohol server training every 5 years. Since 2005, anyone renewing their service permit has been able to complete their training online through the Oregon Restaurant Education Foundation, but those seeking their first permit have been required to attend traditional classroom training.

The ORA is working with the OLCC to ensure that any offering of the online server permit training is of the highest caliber to educate new servers and maintain public safety. The Oregon Restaurant Education Foundation created an online Alcohol Server training course that was used as a model for the Commissioners in making their decision. “The Commissioners and the OLCC have made a progressive step by making the training available in an online format,” said Sharon Lingenfelter, Executive Director Oregon Restaurant Education Foundation. “Internet training capabilities add consistency to delivery, increase access points for this critical training and just makes sense for many in today's workforce.”

“The Oregon Restaurant Association is committed to professional development and training for Oregon’s hospitality industry,” said McCallum. “We applaud the Commissioners for giving alcohol servers access to critical, foundational knowledge needed to keep our industry safe. We look forward to working with the OLCC to continue enhancing the quality of the hospitality workforce.”

The target date for launch is September of this year. For more information contact Sharon Lingenfelter at 503-682-4422 or Sharon@OREFoundation.org

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