Responsible Beverage Server (RBS) training is a course designed for any employee, volunteer or anyone else working in an establishment that sells or serves alcohol. Trainers will cover how to properly check an ID, how to spot a fake ID, how many ounces are in a drink for different types of alcohol, and tips on helping identify an intoxicated customer. They will review North Dakota state laws and local ordinances regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol, the responsibilities and legal liabilities of a server and owner, and policies and procedures to avoid the sales and serving of alcohol to minors. Studies show RBS training is effective in reducing the serving/sale of alcohol to minors and raises server and owner awareness about their responsibilities and the legal liabilities of over-serving.
2024 Classes
Classes are offered on Tuesdays from 5PM -7PM, at our Minot location, South building, on the following dates:
January 9
February 13
April 9
May 14
June 11
September 10 Cancelled – check back here for additional dates TBD
November 12
Frequently asked questions:
Why do I need this training?
First District Health Unit’s- Board of Health adopted a food code effective January 1, 2019.
The food code requires that Business owners/License holders of an establishment that provide on-site consumption of beverages containing alcohol, and any “employee” who handles, mixes, serves, sells or is involved in the transaction of alcohol have their RBS certification. These employees will be required to show proof of certification, while on duty, if requested. Although not required, RBS training is strongly recommended for business owners and employees of establishments that offer the off-site sale of alcohol. 1-95
Who is required to have RBS certification?
The food code requires that any “employee” of an establishment that provides on-site consumption of beverages containing alcohol to have their RBS certification.
Under the First District Health Unit food code “employee” means the license holder, their designated person in charge, a person having supervisory or management duties, a person on the payroll, a family member, a volunteer, a person performing work under contractual agreement, or any other person working in or engaged in any food/alcohol production process or any other activity pertinent to operation in the establishment. 1-36.
(Therefore, this includes owners (license holders), managers, and all volunteers participating in a transaction involving alcohol.)
What is considered an approved responsible beverage server training?
First District Health Unit offers an approved classroom-style training course. The North Dakota Safety Council offers an online course. Any course established in the state of North Dakota to comply with city or county ordinances requiring responsible beverage server training is accepted.
How much does the class cost?
The fee to attend First District’s RBS course is $15.00 per person. Check the North Dakota Safety Council for pricing on their online course.
Can I schedule an onsite class/training at my business?
Arrangements can be made to host an on-site class. The cost would be a minimum fee of $300.00 plus mileage. (This minimum fee includes the $15 fee for each individual attending the course.)
Additional charges may be applied depending on where your business is located and the possibility of rental space needed to accommodate a large number of attendees.
If you are interested in this option, please email us or call 837-5195.
How long is this class?
The RBS training course can be between 2-4 hours depending on the participation of the attendees. Generally, it is a two-hour training. Past attendees have commented how “very informative” the training was and “how time flew by.” Our instructor is very knowledgeable and answers questions you would not be able to ask during an online course.
Is there testing?
Yes, at the beginning of class a pre-test is administered. After the training is finished, you will be given the same test to complete on your own. Certification does require a passing grade. Most everyone passes the test.
How long is the certification valid?
Certification is good for three years from the test date. Because there is a 5 point penalty in the food code for failure to show proof of certification, your employer may require a copy of your certificate to keep on-site.