Sellers and Servers of Alcohol: Let’s Do Our Part.
Help Prevent Underage Drinking & Drunk Driving – Get TIPS Certified!

Whether you serve or sell alcohol in a restaurant, bar, liquor store or convenience store, or if you own or manage a place that serves or sells alcohol, you are an essential part of keeping our communities safe. Learn how to prevent intoxication, underage drinking and drunk driving, and how to serve and sell alcohol responsibly and profitably by taking a TIPS class.


Who Should Get TIPS Certified?

What is TIPS?

TIPS stands for Training for Intervention ProcedureS. It is a dynamic skills-based training program designed to help prevent alcohol abuse, drunk driving and underage drinking by enhancing the fundamental “people skills” of servers and sellers of alcohol. TIPS gives servers and sellers the knowledge and confidence needed to recognize potential alcohol-related problems and effectively intervene to prevent alcohol-related tragedies.

Why should I get TIPS certified?

TIPS teaches people who sell and serve alcohol how to do it responsibly so our communities are safer. A person who sells alcohol to a minor could be convicted of a misdemeanor, sentenced to up to one year in prison or fined up to $1,000, and the business that the server or seller works for may be fined up to $5,000 and their liquor license may be revoked. In addition, TIPS helps to create a safe, more responsible work environment and possibly lowers insurance premiums.

How long is TIPS certification valid for and where is it accepted?

TIPS certification is valid for three years, is approved by the New York State Liquor Authority, is accepted statewide in New York State.

How do I get TIPS certified? What is the time commitment?

Options for TIPS Certification:

eTIPS Passport: A self-paced online training whereby the trainee has 30 days to complete the 3- to 4-hour training.

I am a waiter or bartender. What can I learn from TIPS?

Restaurants and bars are great places for people to socialize and have a good time. Unfortunately, that good time sometimes gets out of hand. As a server, you must be able to deal with problem behaviors and the challenges associated with underage drinking and drunk driving.

TIPS empowers you to take a proactive approach toward preventing alcohol misuse and maintaining control of the environment. By training you to recognize the signs of intoxication, you can reduce the chance that an alcohol-related incident will occur. TIPS-trained servers show your customers that you care about them and want to make their visits to your establishment as pleasant as possible.

Choose the format that is right for you:

  • eTIPS Passport: A self-paced online training whereby the trainee has 30 days to complete the 3- to 4-hour training.
I am an employee of a liquor store or convenience store. What can I learn from TIPS?

Even when alcohol is sold “to go,” as a seller of alcohol you may encounter alcohol-related problems. You must be especially careful not to sell alcohol to underage or intoxicated customers and you usually have little time to assess the situation when making the sale.

TIPS teaches you how to recognize when a customer is intoxicated or underage. In addition to preventing the illegal sale of alcohol, you will learn how to handle intoxicated customers and keep them from harming themselves and others. The intervention techniques reflect the short period of time you have to interact with a customer.

Choose the format that is right for you:

  • eTIPS Passport: A self-paced online training whereby the trainee has 30 days to complete the 3- to 4-hour training.
I am an owner or manager of a restaurant, bar, liquor store or convenience store. Why is it important for my employees to be TIPS certified?

Whether you are an off-premise business (convenience store, grocery store, liquor store, etc.) or an on-premise business (bar, restaurant, etc.), this training will enhance the fundamental “people skills” of your staff. TIPS can provide the opportunity to learn strategies on serving alcohol responsibly and safely while providing the best customer service possible.

Businesses that use TIPS benefit by lowering risk and creating a safer, more responsible work environment. TIPS training can:

  • Reduce exposure to alcohol liability lawsuits and reduce penalties for alcohol violations
  • Lower insurance premiums
  • Improve customer service and satisfaction
  • Promote community safety

Choose the format that is right for you and your staff:

  • eTIPS Passport: A self-paced online training whereby the trainee has 30 days to complete the 3- to 4-hour training. This can be taken by your employees outside of their assigned work schedule in the convenience of their own home – not on company time.

Be a responsible community member by becoming TIPS certified!
It’s the right thing to do to keep our community safe and healthy.
Act Now…Get TIPS Certified!