STATEHOUSE - House Bill 1262, authored by State Representative Bill Davis (R- Portland), passed in the Senate today with a vote of 48-1 and now goes to the governor’s desk to be signed. The bill allows the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC) to approve an alcohol server program established by a third party to provide both online and self-study courses. “This is an appropriate modification due to changing technology,” said Rep. Davis. “I have been working very closely with the Senate on this particular bill because it is believed that an online course in alcohol serving is an acceptable change to current practices and will be easier for Hoosiers to access.” The bill passed the House in January with a vote of 96-1. Once implemented, individuals will be allowed to take an alcohol server self-study course if the individual is unable to take any other approved server training. Individuals taking a test in a self-study course will be required to appear at a test site in person and provide verification of the person's identity. The ATC will also be allowed to perform onsite audits of the program provider or require onsite audits. “Businesses are supportive of this change because current practices are restricting bars, taverns and restaurants in a way that is not conducive to employee training and business expansion. Travel to and from physical training locations takes time away from responsibilities at the place of business. This will remedy the situation and allow employers to train their servers in a much more efficient manner,” said Rep. Davis. |
