Smart Serve Ontario, which provides responsible alcohol beverage service training programs to all Ontarians involved in the sale or service of alcohol has released a revised and redesigned program.

“This is a major revision of our training program to reflect changes in Ontario liquor laws and to improve the learning experience for those using the program,” Diane Stefaniak, executive director of Smart Serve Ontario said in a press release. “There is now more emphasis on the ‘how to’ of responsible service.”

This is the second time the training program has been updated since its inception in 1995.

As of Jan. 1, 2008, this training became mandatory for all who serve or handle alcohol in a licensed establishment. It covers such topics as facts about alcohol; how alcohol works in the body; signs of intoxication; prevention and intervention techniques; and legal rights and responsibilities.

Until April 30, 2009, Smart Serve is offering a free exchange program. “We will exchange old VHS videos together with unused certification kits (workbooks and tests) for the new DVD and workbook and tests.

In order to receive the new training material for free, we must receive the VHS plus the certification kits,” says Stefaniak.

More information on the exchange program is available at www.smartserve.ca