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The penalties for serving alcohol to minors in California are as follows:

by Manny Campos | Mar 30, 2024 | Ace Food Handler

In California, the penalties for serving alcohol to minors are as follows:

Sales of Alcoholic Beverages to Minors (California Business and Professions Code § 25658):
- First offense: 15-day suspension if you sell alcoholic beverages to someone under 21.
- Second offense within 36 months: 25-day suspension.
- Third offense within 36 months: Revocation (Note: prior violations must be final)¹.
Permitting Minors to Consume Alcohol (California Business and Professions Code § 25665):
- 10-day suspension if you allow someone under 21 to consume alcohol on your premises ¹.
Furnishing Alcohol to Minors (California Business and Professions Code § 25658):
- 15-day suspension if you provide or cause to be furnished alcoholic beverages to someone under 21 ¹.
Unsupervised Sales by Minors (California Business and Professions Code § 25663(b)):
- 10-day suspension if alcohol is sold by an unsupervised person under 18 ¹.
Sales to Obviously Intoxicated Persons (California Business and Professions Code § 25602):
- First offense: 15-day suspension if you sell alcohol to someone who is obviously intoxicated.
- Second offense within 3 years: 25-day suspension.
- Third offense within 3 years: 45-day suspension to revocation¹.

Remember, these penalties are designed to encourage responsible alcohol service and protect public welfare. Serving alcohol responsibly is crucial for maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone. 🍻

RBS Training (Responsible Beverage Service) provided by ACE Food Handler plays a crucial role in educating servers about responsible alcohol service and helping them avoid penalties related to serving alcohol to minors in California. Let’s explore how this training benefits servers:

Legal Knowledge:
- RBS training covers the legalities of serving alcohol. Servers learn about the specific laws and regulations related to alcohol service, including those concerning minors.
- Understanding these legal aspects helps servers make informed decisions and avoid violations that could lead to penalties.
Preventing Underage Drinking:
- Servers are educated on the importance of preventing underage drinking. They learn techniques to verify IDs, spot fake IDs, and ensure that alcohol is not served to individuals under 21.
- By following these guidelines, servers can avoid inadvertently serving minors and the associated penalties.
Recognizing Signs of Intoxication:
- RBS training emphasizes the ability to identify signs of intoxication in patrons. Servers learn to recognize when someone has had too much to drink.
- By responsibly monitoring patrons’ alcohol consumption, servers can prevent over-serving, which is essential for avoiding penalties.
Refusing Service When Necessary:
- The training equips servers with strategies to safely refuse service when required. This includes situations where a patron is already intoxicated or underage.
- By confidently refusing service, servers can prevent legal violations and protect both patrons and the establishment.
Compliance with AB 1221:
- Assembly Bill 1221 (AB 1221) mandated the creation of the RBS Training Program in California. This program ensures that servers and managers are educated on the risks of serving alcohol to minors and over-serving patrons.
- ACE Food Handler’s RBS training aligns with AB 1221 requirements, ensuring that servers receive the necessary certification within 60 days of employment.

In summary, ACE Food Handler’s RBS training empowers servers with knowledge, skills, and best practices to serve alcohol responsibly, avoid penalties, and contribute to safer communities. 🍻