The hospitality industry, particularly the food and beverage sector, is a lucrative business in Pennsylvania, but it also comes with some risks. This is especially true for anyone who owns, operates, or works in a business that serves alcohol. This, however, doesn’t mean you should freak out if you want to join this industry.
All you have to do is observe the regulations and best practices that guide this industry, and you’ll be good to go. One of the top regulations you need to succeed is RAMP. But what’s RAMP certification, and why do you need it? Find out by reading this article to the end.
All About RAMP
RAMP is a certification program from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) that helps trainees understand and implement responsible alcohol management practices. This certification isn’t mandatory for businesses like it is for employees. However, it becomes paramount if you commit an infraction of the Pennsylvania liquor code.
It’s crucial to take your RAMP Certification training from a PLCB-recognised provider to ensure you are taking the right courses. This is especially true for anyone who must take the server/seller or owner/manager training before assuming their roles (more of that below), since these courses equip you with the knowledge you need to perform your jobs safely.
Who Needs RAMP Server/Seller Training?
According to the 2016 Liquor Code, you must take this training if you serve or sell alcoholic beverages and/or check IDs and if you were hired on or after Aug 8, 2016. So, if you work as a waiter, bartender, bouncer, doorperson, etc, you will want to get your training within six months of being hired, unless you’ve completed the RAMP server/seller training successfully before this.
You may be wondering where stakeholders like distributors, liquor stores, catering companies, convenience stores, and similar businesses that serve or sell alcohol fit in this matter. Well, the answer is simple: the same rules apply. As long as an employee has the primary responsibility to handle alcohol, they must be trained.
Here’s a quick summary of the employee positions that need this training, depending on the type of establishment.
- Bars and Restaurants: Servers, Runners, Bartenders, and Bouncers or Doormen checking IDs.
- Convenience and Grocery Stores: Cashiers who sell alcoholic drinks and check ID at the register.
- Liquor Stores: Cashiers and/or Doormen if the business has an ID check before entering.
- Catering Companies and Events: Servers, Bartenders, and Cashiers working at the event.
- Breweries and Distributors: Anyone involved in serving, transporting, or delivering alcoholic products.
You can see from this summary that anyone who has the primary responsibility of serving or selling alcohol must complete the RAMP Server Seller training before starting their role. If you’re a business owner who needs RAMP certification, keep in mind that at least 50% of your alcohol service staff must be server/seller trained for you to qualify.
How About the RAMP Owner/Manager Training?
This training is meant for the individuals who are most responsible for overseeing the daily operations and policies of a licensed establishment. In most cases, this is usually the owner or manager of the business.
After October 1, 2021, anyone taking this training for the first time will have to complete it in a classroom setting. After this, you can complete your training in one of three ways:
- Virtual lessons (Instructor-led)
- Online (No instructor)
- Classroom training (In-person, instructor-led)
After approval of appointment by the PLCB, managers of certain licence types also have to complete the owner/manager training within 180 days. You can, however, skip this training if you have already completed it in a period not exceeding two years before your appointment.
Keep in mind that you have to renew your training every two years to remain certified.
Complete Your Training Effortlessly
RAMP training is crucial for anyone who will be involved in the handling or sale of alcohol at an establishment that offers alcoholic beverages. If you ask us, all employees working in such businesses should take this training, as this not only enhances service delivery but also boosts the overall safety prospects.
Ready to start your training? RocketCert is where you want to be. With customised courses that are expertly written and fully narrated, you will have everything you need to acquire your certification successfully.
