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Public Opinion: 18 or 21

April 8, 2010

*The views expressed by the organizations listed below do not necessarily reflect the views of Regulatory Compliance Services and Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association.

Recently, there has been considerable debate as to whether the legal drinking age should be lowered to 18.  John Mc Cardell, former President of Middlebury College, has championed this cause via his website, http://www.chooseresponsibility.org, and through appearances on television and speaking engagements.  Those in favor, argue that the current law has forced minors, particularly, students, to resort to illegally obtaining alcohol for consumption.  This trend has escalated into the dangerous practice of “binge drinking,” commonly taking place in residential areas, sorority and fraternity houses, and other unlicensed locations.  Moreover, the website highlights testimonials for proponents of lowering the legal drinking age.

Those opposed to this movement are groups such as, MADD (www.madd.org).  MADD advocates their movement by citing declines in alcohol related accidents, increased negative public perception of alcohol abuse and damaging effects of alcohol on the maturing brain, as reasons to believe that the legal drinking age remain 21.  As a result of the “status quo” position, they have initiated a heightened awareness in choosing a designated driver and honed in on group initiatives in public schools to educate students on the effects of alcohol.

 This largely debated issue has created many opinions, so we want to know, what do you think?

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Are You and Your Staff Inspection-Ready?

March 23, 2010

It’s every restaurant manager’s nightmare. It’s 4:30 in the afternoon, you’re right in the middle of dinner prep and the health inspector walks in.  You are already stressed to make sure the restaurant is ready for service and now you have to do a walk through with the inspector.  The restaurant is in chaos, and after the inspection, you fear that you are bound for fines and violations. Over the last two years health inspection fines have greatly increased. And now, more than ever, restaurant managers and employees need to know their food safety basics.

FRLA/RCS wants to protect your business from these violations.  Below is a list of key employee related inspection issues to help you avoid major fines during a health inspection:

  • All employees need to be certified; managers need certification within 30 days of employment, food handler employees within 60 days of employment.
  • All employees should have knowledge of time and temperature control.
  • All employees should have knowledge of hand washing procedures.
  • All employees should have knowledge of proper food handling methods.
  • Management must have training records available upon request

During an inspection, all employees are held accountable for the operation of the restaurant.   Management should take the time insure proper employee education.  Strong management practices, combined with committed, educated employees are key ingredients toward the success of your operation.

FRLA/RCS is dedicated to delivering the best food safety resources and training materials for your business.  As the state’s contracted provider for food safety training, our staff is qualified to properly educate your managers and employees.  This is accomplished by offering public food manager certification exams in 35 cities a month, on-site food handler and food manager classes and a variety of studying materials.

For more information regarding public food manager certification exams, on-site classes or food safety basics visit www.regcomplianceusa.com or call 800-537-9863.

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Sting Operations – Update

March 17, 2010

Sting Operations have increased in South Florida and the Keys this month. We have learned that the City of Key West has received grant funds for the purpose of conducting compliance checks involving sale of alcohol to minors.  We understand that this is currently being conducted by Key West City Police.  Here are the details:

KEY WEST: Two convenience stores were hit when an underage patron purchased a case of beer. The clerk did not ask for identification.

MARATHON: An underage decoy ordered a beer. Meanwhile, an undercover officer was standing behind the underage decoy pretending to read a take-out menu. The underage decoy presented their own identification indicating age of 17 years old and as a result, the sale was not made

PALM BEACH GARDENS: An 18 year old female took an empty Bud Light bottle to the bartender and a 19 year old female took an empty wine glass to same bartender, both asked for a refill. The bartender served both and two counts were filed for selling alcohol to a minor.

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RCS Hits Panama City Beach for Spring Break

March 17, 2010

It’s that time of year. College students have been counting down the days, restaurant owners have been frantically trying to get everything in order and the beaches are getting warmer. Spring Break is upon us and that’s why Regulatory Compliance Services, Inc. (RCS) and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) partnered with the Division of Alcohol Beverages & Tobacco (AB&T) to prepare establishments in Panama City Beach, officially dubbed Florida’s “Spring Break Capital,” for the upcoming season.

RCS/FRLA and AB&T hosted a seminar at the Boardwalk Beach Resort with a turnout of 200+ restaurant and bar owners to cover important local and state laws regarding responsible alcohol service.  Chip Bone, Vice President of RCS/FRLA, commented, “RCS is honored to partner once again with AB&T to discuss responsible alcohol service.  I want to commend all those present today for their participation. We hope this seminar underscores the importance of educating employees, as well as bar and restaurant owners, in order that they may serve their guests in a legal and responsible way.”

Captain Lance Kelly and Lieutenant Tony Cornman, with the Panama City Beach AB&T District, opened the seminar by reviewing proper ID checking procedures and alcohol licensing requirements to ensure employees do not serve minors.  Afterward, Al Gardner, a Regional Training Manager with RCS/FRLA, discussed Dram Shop laws, gambling policies and intoxicated patron prevention.  Gardner states, “It’s so important for all bartenders and restaurant owners to be aware of these laws to  avoid legal problems.  And the last thing we need is an alcohol related tragedy due to someone not following the law.”  Lieutenant Cornman (AB&T) announced that 25 additional AB&T officers and 10 State Highway Patrol officers will be assigned to Panama City Beach to conduct regularly scheduled walk-throughs at local bars and restaurants during its peak season.

Regulatory Compliance Services, Inc. is a subsidiary of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.  RCS specializes in responsible vendor training, food safety and food manager certification, and sexual harassment prevention training.  RCS has over 900+ clients including: Universal Studios, SeaWorld, Miller’s Ale House, Levy Restaurant Venues (Florida), Ker’s Winghouse and Total Wine & More, to name a few.  After 25+ years of service, they are Florida’s largest and oldest provider for responsible vendor training.

For more information regarding responsible vendor training or ways to prepare your business for Spring Break travelers, visit www.regcomplianceusa.com or call 800-537-9863.

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