As we have done in years past for the 2022 Southern California Homebrewer’s Festival (SCHF) it is required that all clubs pouring at the event have at least one person in attendance at the event who is Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) certified.
In 2017, California passed AB-1221 which sets a new RBS requirement for all alcohol servers and managers in the state. The new RBS requirement goes into effect in the state on July 1, 2022. Persons who have a currently valid RBS certification that does not expire prior to May 1, 2022 can use that certificate to meet the RBS requirement for SCHF 2022.
Once an individual has completed certification, whether it be under the new training or a previously issued certificate, please take a screenshot or print a PDF of the certificate from the ABC website (or the training company if using a previous certification) and forward it to rbscert@calhomebrewers.org. In addition to a copy of the certificate, please include the following information in the e-mail:
- Full name (first and last)
- Name of the Club being represented
- Days you plan to be at SCHF: Friday, Saturday, Both
- Date of Certification
- Certification number
Completed certifications must be submitted no later than April 15, 2022.
You can submit the information at https://forms.gle/Gx1gYdu8DGCxi3Ec7 or send via email to rbscert@calhomebrewers.org.
Obtaining training and certification
Under the new certification standard, in order to attend training, whether online or in-person, the individual must first register with the state as a Alcohol Server. Registration is done on the California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) website at: https://abcbiz.abc.ca.gov.
Once registered you have your choice of where to receive training including whether you want to take it online or in-person. The ABC website has a list of verified providers. You will need to make note of your registration number and use it to register for your course with whichever training provider you choose. Once you complete the training you will need to return to the ABC website and take the RBS certification exam. Upon successful completion of the exam your dashboard on the ABC website will be updated to show your certification, which will be good for 3 years.
While you have your choice of where and how to take the training, you can find additional details about the training/certification process at https://www.rbspermit.com. (RBSPermit.com is not affiliated with the California Homebrewers Association.)
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions (not covered below) please feel free to reach out to rbscert@calhomebrewers.org and you will receive a response from one of the CHA board members.
- Does the RBS certified member have to be at the pouring booth all day, both days?
No. We do not expect this person to monitor or “police” pouring activities, but to simply be a resource for their fellow club members with regard to best alcohol service pratices. - Is the new RBS certification required for SCHF 2022?
No. If a member of the club who is attending the festival has a valid, not-expired certification under the previous training/certification standards then that will be sufficient for SCHF 2022. - Can I use my LEAD certification to meet the RBS requirement for SCHF 2022?
Yes. While LEAD training/certification does not meet the requirements under AB-1221, if you have a currently valid LEAD certification that will not expire prior to May 1, 2022 then you can use that certificate to meet the RBS requirement for SCHF 2022. - Does certification have to be completed for the campsite call-out?
No. If your club commits to pouring at the event then they must have at least club member RBS certified at the event. Proof of certification will be required before the event, no later than March 15, 2022, but will not affect the call-out. - Does CHA reimburse for RBS training?
Yes. As we have done in past years, we will reimburse up to $15 per club for an individual to obtain training and certification. (Multiple persons in a club may want to obtain RBS certification, but the CHA will reimburse the cost of training for only 1 person per club.) - If I am taking the new training, does it matter where I get training?
No and Yes.
No: CHA has no input on where you obtain the training; only that you have a current and valid certification.
Yes: The State of California requires that you obtain the new training only from authorized training providers. Once you create your server account on the ABC’s RBS website you will be able to see Training Providers at the top of the page, for both in-person and online courses. - How long does the training take?
Most online training vendors are self-paced and the amount of time may vary between students. In-person training providers will also vary. It is expected that the training will take 1.5 – 2.0 hours. - If I obtain the new certification will I have to obtain certification again for SCHF 2023?
No. The RBS certification is good for 3 years. - Can I use my older certification in 2023?
No. The new certification is required throughout the state beginning July 1, 2022.
If you have any questions not covered above please feel free to reach out to rbscert@calhomebrewers.org.