What is RAMP Certification?

Legislation enacted in June of 2001 establishes a voluntary Responsible Alcohol Management Program Certification that provides incentives for licensees who participate. RAMP is the umbrella used to describe this collection of training and resources available to licensees and their employees.  Completion of the program provides certification for two years.  In order to comply, you must complete all four parts of the program, which include:  Server/Seller Training, Owner/Manager Training, New Employee Orientation and Signage.

Server/Seller Training – This component consists of training for Licensees and their staff and is conducted by independent trainers who have been approved and have had their curriculum certified by the PLCB.  In order to comply, at least 50% of the licensee’s alcohol service staff must be certified in a PLCB certified alcohol server/seller education program at all times.  Upon completion of the program, employees are required to complete a course examination and must receive an 80% or better in order to become certified in that course.

Owner/Manager Training – This component also consists of training but focuses on those most responsible for determining daily operations and policies – the owner and manager.  In order to comply, an owner and/or manager must attend a free training session offered by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.  The trainings are offered at various centrally located sites.  In the past, training was generally geared towards the servers, therefore, this increased participation will create a pool of licensees and their employees who will possess the knowledge and abilities to bring responsible alcohol service to their communities.

New Employee Orientation – The third component consists of orientation for all new hires.  In order to comply, orientation must be provided to all new employees on or before the first day of their employment as a member of the licensee’s alcohol service staff.  This orientation is to be conducted by the licensee, however, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board will provide the licensee with a checklist (pdf) and appropriate learning methods to be used.  Licensees must maintain these records for all employees for the duration of their employment.

Signage – The fourth and last component consists of displaying posters or signs regarding responsible alcohol service.  Signage will be provided by the Board, however, the licensee may use other signage, provided that it is equivalent in size, number and content to the Board’s.  Signage must be prominently displayed so that it can be observed readily by patrons.  Licensees shall be responsible for posting and maintaining the signage at all times.  Signage shall minimally include the following information:

• Acceptable forms of ID.
• Refusal of alcohol service to minors and visibly intoxicated patrons.

Benefits to the licensee include:

• Possible reduction in the fines and penalties issued by the Administrative Law Judge to the licensee for serving a minor or a visibly intoxicated patron, so long as the licensee was in compliance with all parts of ACT 141 at the time of the violation and had no citations in the previous 4 years.
• Knowledgeable, well trained alcohol service staff and management.
• Recognition as a responsible licensee in your community