Workers train for responsible alcohol sales

Lee Roupas of the Illinois Liquor Control Commission (standing) helps a Babe’s Tap employee determine whether the ID she is holding is legitimate during a training session in Diamond. (Photo submitted)

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DIAMOND – In one of the largest responsible alcohol service classes ever held in Grundy County, 37 bartenders and retail staff participated in STEPS (Safety Training to Encourage Profitable Services) on June 16, in Diamond.

The state-certified training was held at The Other Bar, 55 S. Daley, and was designed to help bar staff and retail liquor stores maintain a quality, profitable establishment that minimizes the risks associated with over-serving, drunken drivers, and underage sales.

The training was developed by a Joliet coalition of community representatives and has been certified by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission’s Beverage Alcohol Sellers and Servers Education and Training (BASSET) Program. In order to receive a training certification, an individual must attend the 4-hour training and pass a 50-question test.

During one of the mid-morning breaks, class participants were welcomed by Grundy County Board Chairman Frank Halpin, Liquor Control Commissioner for Grundy County. He stressed the importance of attending this type of class and thanked them for their participation.

The training was sponsored by the Grundy County Sheriff’s Police and the Grundy County No Tolerance Task Force (NTTF). The trainers were Deputy Chad Hrechko of the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office, Lee Roupas of the Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC), and Paula Goodwin, NTTF Coordinator.

“The STEPS training help hospitality workers understand the risks and responsibilities that go with the serving and selling of alcohol. The course teaches them how to reduce their risks and run a safer, more profitable business,” Deputy Hrechko said.

Training participants also included several police officers and municipal representatives who were interested in learning about responsible alcohol service training so they can support it in their communities.

The NTTF would like to thank The Other Bar for voluntarily hosting this training. Anyone who is interested in a future STEPS training should contact Paula Goodwin at (815) 941-3130.

STEPS certificates were awarded to representatives of the following establishments:

American Legion, Morris — Michaeline Gallegos
Babe’s Tap, Coal City — Amber Couch, Kristin Laufer, Margaret Marin, Marvin Perino, Stephanie Soave, and Tara Dornan
Big Four Inn, Carbon Hill — Lil Esparza and Shandra Phillips
Casey’s, Braceville — Brenda Birchard and Sharon Breen
Casey’s, Braidwood — Doris Krug
Casey’s, Diamond — Terri Rolewicz, and Jan Vetter
Casey’s, Gardner — Mike Ray, Nathan Mosier, and Heather Miner
Echo Lanes, Morris — Sheryl Butterfield
Fat Daddy’Z, Seneca — H.J. Morganflash
Feeney Package Liquors, Morris — Andy Niewinski
Jewel/Osco, Minooka — Mike Joens
Schooners Pub, Minooka — Monica Johnson, Joanne Wasz, Lori Thompson, Sharon Thompson, Kevin Chapman, Mary Creek, and Donna Case
Shell, Coal City — Lucy Shields, Tara Lemke, and Sandy Maitland
Shell, Diamond — Lynn Wagner
Participating police officers and municipal representatives:
Coal City Police Department — Chief Keith Hefner, Officer Chris Harseim, and Officer Tom Logan
Morris Police Department — Officer Scott Ator
Village of Diamond — Teresa Kernc