Council requires alcohol server certification on first reading; staff, police to coordinate compliance

The Riverton City Council approved on first reading Ordinance 25-002, which would require alcohol-server certification for employees of licensed establishments. The ordinance requires new hires who will serve alcohol to complete a state-approved training program within three months and for establishments to provide proof of staff training at license renewal.

Administrative Services Director Ms. Harris told the council the proposal grew from an informational meeting with liquor-license holders and a presentation by Fremont County Prevention: “To promote consistency and responsible service across all establishments, City staff is proposing ordinance 25-002 which would require all employees serving alcohol whether at newly licensed or existing establishments, to complete a state approved alcohol server training program,” she said. Ms. Harris outlined key provisions: mandatory training for existing staff, a three-month window for new hires, and annual proof submitted at license renewal.

Council members and staff discussed practical enforcement. The police chief (unnamed in the transcript) said enforcement responsibility rests with law enforcement: “we're here to enforce the laws that you put in place,” he said. Staff and council members discussed using existing county trainers (identified in the meeting as TIPS training) and holding on‑site compliance checks. Administrative Services staff noted many local establishments already require server training and that the local trainer can deliver sessions multiple times per quarter.

Council members sought to balance administrative burden and compliance. Suggestions included that employers keep physical copies of employee training cards on-site for inspection, that the city consider periodic spot checks, and that the trainer schedule recurring classes. Council members clarified the ordinance intends a three-month compliance window for new hires and proof at renewal, not a requirement that staff complete training before first service in all cases; enforcement would rely on renewal auditing and compliance checks.

The ordinance passed first reading on a voice vote; the motion was made by Council Vice President Borders and seconded by Council President Bailey. Staff said they would work with Fremont County Prevention trainers and the police department on scheduling and compliance protocols before the next reading.