WHAT IS RAMP CERTIFICATION?

Legislation enacted on June 18, 2001, established the Responsible Alcohol Management Program, which is a voluntary certification that provides incentives for licensees who participate and complete five components. RAMP is the umbrella term used to describe this collection of training and resources available to licensees and their employees. Completion of the program provides certification to the licensed establishment for two years.

Although RAMP certification is voluntary for many licensees, it can be mandatory under the following circumstances:

For any licensee who has been found guilty by an Administrative Law Judge of sales to minors or visibly intoxicated persons.

As part of a conditional licensing agreement (CLA).

Prior to obtaining a wine expanded permit.

In order to comply, the establishment must complete all parts of the program, which include: Owner/Manager Training, Server/Seller Training, New Employee Orientation, Signage and Affidavit Request for RAMP Certification.

Owner/Manager Training

The first component of RAMP certification is completion of owner/manager training by an owner and/or the PLCB-approved manager, those most responsible for daily operations and determining policies for the licensed establishment. In order to comply with this component, an owner and/or the PLCB-approved manager must complete this training. Licensees may choose to complete the owner/manager training online or in a classroom setting. Classroom trainings are offered by the PLCB weekly throughout Pennsylvania. Training is valid for two years.

Server/Seller Training This component is the focus of this online training. In order to fulfill this requirement, at least 50 percent of the licensee’s alcohol service staff – including anyone who serves or sells alcohol and/or checks IDs, as well as owners or managers who perform these duties – must complete this training before RAMP certification can be granted. This percentage must be maintained at all times. Upon completion of the course, trainees are required to complete a course examination and receive a score of 80 percent or better in order to receive credit for this course. Training is valid for two years.

Licensees may choose to attend classroom training conducted by a PLCB-approved instructor or complete an online training course offered by a PLCB-approved provider. A list of approved trainers and online providers is available on the PLCB’s website. The list changes periodically, so please make sure you have an up-to-date list before scheduling training. Classroom trainings open to the public can be found in PLCB+.

Although server/seller training is one component of RAMP certification, this training by itself is also mandatory for:

· All staff serving alcohol at an off-premises catering event.

· All cashiers selling wine at an establishment with a wine expanded permit.

· All new alcohol service personnel hired on/after 8-8-16 who are not RAMP-trained must be so w/in six months of being hired and be re-trained before their current training expires.

· All new alcohol service personnel hired on/after 8-8-16 who are already RAMP-trained must be re-trained before their current training expires.

· All employees hired before 8-8-16 who are not RAMP-trained, but transfer into an alcohol service position on/after 8-8-16, need to obtain RAMP-training w/in six months of assuming their new duties.

the previous two years.

To complete online, visit the PLCB’s website and click on Education-RAMP-RAMP Training. A list of classroom trainings is available in PLCB+.

New Employee Orientation

The third component consists of orientation for all members of the alcohol service staff. The PLCB will provide the orientation form and appropriate learning materials. Licensees are required to conduct a new employee orientation within 30 days of employee’s hire. It is the sole responsibility of the licensee to ensure that either the owner, manager or a designated instructor conducts the orientation. Licensees shall maintain these records for all employees for the duration of their employment.

Signage

The fourth component consists of displaying posters or signs regarding responsible alcohol service. At least two signs must be posted minimally addressing the acceptable forms of ID and the refusal of alcohol service to minors and visibly intoxicated patrons. Signage must be prominently displayed so that it can be easily observed by patrons. Licensees shall be responsible for posting and maintaining the signage at all times. Free and appropriate signage can be obtained in PLCB+ or a licensee may use other signage equivalent in size and content to that provided by the PLCB.