The State of Illinois has
long had regulations in place recommending training for people both selling and
serving alcohol. The program, Beverage Alcohol Sellers and Servers
Education ("BASSET") has been codified in the Illinois statutes,
Title 77, Chapt. XVI, Part 3500. Some of the goals of the program are to
train and educate sellers and servers about responsible alcohol service,
prevent DUI's, spot signs of intoxication, provide methods to cut off
over-served patrons, and to educate owners and staff on the laws and ordinances
in place.
While the Illinois Liquor Control Commission has always encouraged the
voluntary participation in this program, it historically has been left to local
ordinances to require such training. However, the General Assembly in
Illinois recently passed Public Act 098-0939, which is set to go into
effect on July 1, 2015. Pursuant to the Act, all servers and
bouncers in Cook County bars and restaurants will need to complete a four-hour
BASSET class within 120 days of employment. Those that are currently
employed must have a BASSET training certificate dated on of after July 1, 2012
to be compliant. The BASSET certification must be renewed every three
years. The Illinois Liquor Control Commission will be charged with enforcing
the BASSET training requirements. During the first six months,
enforcement will be limited to education and notification. Starting
January 1, 2016, penalties for non-compliance include fines up to $500 per
violation, license suspension, or revocation.
