Alberta Server Intervention Program

What is ASIP? Is it new?

ASIP is an industry-led training program for all staff involved in the sale and service of liquor in a licensed premises. It is a mandatory training program under Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) policy.

ASIP was launched in November 2004. The program was developed in partnership with the liquor industry and government based on a commitment to ensuring liquor activities are conducted with integrity and in a socially responsible manner. ASIP replaced a number of separate training programs to give consistent training across the province. The ultimate goal of ASIP is to promote responsible liquor service in Alberta.

Why was it created? What are the benefits of this training?

ASIP was developed to provide consistent training for liquor service and sales staff to ensure liquor activities are conducted with integrity and in a socially responsible manner.

This program is a positive tool to help curb the problem of underage drinking and reduce over-consumption, impaired driving and the risk of violence. Training topics include legal responsibilities and liabilities, identifying intoxication, handling situations involving minors, and discontinuing or refusing service or sale of alcohol.

Be sure to advise your insurance company that your staff have completed the ASIP training. When implemented properly, ASIP training can assist staff in reducing your risk of liability and enhance the safety of your premises.

Who is required to take it? And by when?

Under AGLC policy, Class A, B, C, D, E and Duty Free licensees are required to have staff certified under ASIP. The requirement for Class C and Special Event (Public Resale) licensees is being reviewed. The implementation of this training is being phased in over a five year period according to the following timeline:

Effective January 1, 2010, all new hires working in licensed premises, either full or part-time, with the exception of kitchen staff and bus persons, will have 30 days from their employment start date to successfully complete ASIP training.

In addition, registered representatives, including liquor merchandisers, must successfully complete ASIP training.

Class C Licensees

The requirement for Class C licensees to take the ASIP training is being reviewed. During the review, Class C licensees and their staff are still encouraged to take the training and have a minimum of one ASIP-trained individual on duty at all times by January 1, 2007.  Class C licensees are not required to pay a fee for this training. Regional seminars specific to Class C are offered, please contact ASIP at 1-877-436-6336 for more information and to register.

Special Event (Public Resale) Licensees

The requirement for Special Event (Public Resale) licensees to take the ASIP training is being reviewed. During the review, and to balance the need for consistent training with the realities of holding special events, Special Event – Public Resale licensees are still encouraged to have one ASIP-trained person on duty at all times during operating hours by January 1, 2007. This should be the person(s) responsible for overseeing liquor sales and service for your special event [eg. Designated manager(s) or supervisor(s)]. Special Event (Public Resale) licensees are not required to pay a fee for this training. Regional seminars specific to Special Event (Public Resale) licensees are offered, please contact ASIP at 1-877-436-6336 for more information and to register.

ASIP training is valid for five years.

Are there exceptions?

This policy does not affect individuals serving liquor under the authority of private special event licences, or Class C residential institutions (hospitals and long-term facilities).

How do I register? How much does it cost? How do I know if I passed?

Registration is available online at www.asip.ca. Depending on the delivery method, either online, self-directed or by seminar, the cost is either $25 or $50 respectively plus tax. Another option is to complete the Train-the-Trainer workshop and train your own staff for a cost of $355.05 plus tax.

To assist non-profit and volunteer organizations to comply with the training requirements, the AGLC has exempted all individuals involved with the sale and service of liquor at a Class C licensed premises or under a Special Event -- Public Resale licensees have been scheduled starting in mid-August.

This exemption demonstrates the AGLC's commitment to promoting responsible liquor service while still meeting the needs of volunteer organizations.

To register or if you have questions about this payment exemption, contact ASIP at 1-877-436-6336.

When completing the training online, results are provided immediately after the exam. For the self-directed, seminar or Train-the-Trainer options, exams are submitted for grading and if a passing grade is achieved then a certificate and card will be mailed to you. If a passing grade is not achieved, a letter will be sent informing you of your next steps. Please allow 2-3 weeks for the grading and mailing process.

What if I already took other training?

ASIP replaces the “It’s Good Business” program previously offered by the Alberta Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) and the “Techniques in Alcohol Management” program previously offered by Alberta Liquor Store Association (ALSA). Anyone who has successfully completed either of those programs since September 2000 is eligible to be grandfathered under the new program and should contact the ASIP office to request replacement manuals and ID cards.

However, server intervention training from other provinces is not transferable. Those individuals who have taken training outside Alberta are required to complete the Alberta Server Intervention Program (ASIP) within the required timeframes.

What happens if I do not comply?

The Alberta Server Intervention Program (ASIP) is a mandatory training program under Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) policy. All policies and regulations must be followed as part of your licensee agreement; failure to comply with any policy can result in fines, licence suspensions or licence termination.

AGLC policies are available online, click here to view Liquor Policies.

What if I have questions?

For information about ASIP or to register for training, please visit www.asip.ca. Questions can be directed to info@asip.ca or by phone toll-free at 1-877-436-6336.

If you are experiencing problems with alcohol, gambling, tobacco or other drugs – AADAC can help. Call 1-866-33AADAC (1-866-332-2322) for INFORMATION, SUPPORT and REFERRAL or visit www.aadac.com.