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Commissioners critique alcohol seminar, discuss training upgrades and diversion program presentation
Summary
Board members reviewed the recent alcohol-awareness seminar, criticized one speaker for commercial slant and length, and supported inviting diversion-program representatives (Catherine's Calls) and scheduling more targeted training including consistent TIPS certification and reinforcement measures.
Board members reviewed the recent alcohol-awareness seminar and discussed ways to improve training for licensees.
Several commissioners said the seminar registration process has improved but criticized one presenter, identified as Mark Baxter, for appearing to promote a proprietary ID-check product and for taking too much time. Commissioners said the seminar should prioritize locally relevant training and suggested rehiring previously used presenters (referred to as Marty) who had more targeted content for licensees.
Commissioners emphasized the importance of TIPS/TAM alcohol-server certification and repeated reinforcement: frequent refresher training, written employee handbooks, sign-off requirements, and possible incentives for staff who pass compliance checks. One commissioner suggested offering modest rewards (examples cited included a $50 gift card or a free pizza) for staff who successfully prevent a sale to minors; another noted that the board typically issues a congratulatory letter for passing a compliance check.
The board also supported inviting representatives from Catherine's Calls, a diversion/assistance program, to explain how diversion works, what participants must do and how it affects licensees and violators. Commissioners said a 30-minute presentation by Catherine's Calls founders would be appropriate to give licensees practical understanding of the consequences and diversion requirements.
Other logistical suggestions for future seminars included increasing break times to 10 minutes, limiting individual presentations to 15–20 minutes when material is not directly relevant to the local licensee audience, and allocating a predictable segment for county officials (sheriff and state's attorney) to answer questions without duplication.
Board counsel Dixon and staff were asked to coordinate future scheduling; commissioners proposed setting aside about 90 minutes for board operations and practice items during the seminar and to re-invite key presenters when available.
