Free training upcoming for safer alcohol service ahead of summer

The alcohol training event is scheduled for June 2 in Dewey Beach. (Photo from iStock Getty Images)

DEWEY BEACH – As Delaware’s coastal towns prepare for an influx of summer visitors, local and state agencies are teaming up to promote safe and responsible alcohol service across the hospitality industry.

On Monday, June 2, the Delaware Restaurant Association (DRA), in collaboration with several state agencies, will host a free “Responsible Alcohol Service & Safety Training” event at the Lighthouse Cove Events Center in Dewey Beach.

The session will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and include a boxed lunch for participants.

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Aimed at servers, bartenders, security staff, and restaurant and bar operators, the training is expected to draw 100 to 150 attendees from across the state.

The goal is to equip frontline hospitality workers with the tools to serve alcohol safely, prevent over-service, and respond to potential health emergencies, including overdoses.

The training focuses on protecting communities, employees, and the visitors who make summer such a vibrant season in Delaware.

The agenda features presentations from a wide range of experts, including:

Lt. Michael Loiseau from the Division of Alcohol & Tobacco Enforcement (DATE), on responsible alcohol service
Roy Bryant from the Office of Highway Safety, discussing impaired driving prevention
John Rudd from the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s office, covering safety regulations
Chief Constance Speake from the Dewey Beach Police Department and a representative from Rehoboth Beach Police, highlighting local law enforcement perspectives

The event will also include Narcan training and a session on overdose prevention led by Anne Carr and Ana Bueno from the Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH), along with Lewis Sacks from Guardian Medical Lifesavers.

Elected officials and media are invited to attend. Registration is free and open to anyone in the hospitality industry.

The training is funded by a grant through the Delaware Office of Highway Safety and supported by the Division of Alcohol & Tobacco Enforcement, the Office of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner, and other local partners.