STEPS Trainings Coming Up Soon

Joliet and Plainfield area establishments are invited to take advantage of a very low-cost educational opportunity for their bartenders and servers. For the small price of $10 per person (to cover continental breakfast and lunch), your employee will be trained in the Illinois BASSET-certified Safety Training to Encourage Profitable Services (STEPS) curriculum. STEPS participants will take a test at the end of the six-hour training and, if successful, receive certification.

The next training will be held at the Bicentennial Park Theatre, 201 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, on March 6, 2007, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Pre-registration is required.

For more information, contact Officer John Hanke at (815) 724-3124

Profits and Responsible Service

STUDY: ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS INCREASE ALCOHOL'S EFFECT
Australian researchers found that artificial sweeteners increase the rate of alcohol absorption in the body, meaning that drinks mixed with diet soda may be more potent than sugary drinks. http://www.jointogether.org/news/headlines/inthenews/2006/sweeteners-increase-alcohol.html

MIXING ALCOHOL WITH ENERGY DRINKS DOESN'T NULL INTOXICATION
Mixing alcohol with energy drinks like Red Bull masks some of the subjective feelings of intoxication, but the imbibers remain just as drunk as those who take their liquor straight or with traditional mixers, according to a Brazilian research study. http://www.medpagetoday.com/Psychiatry/Addictions/tb/2937

SOUTH CAROLINA ALCOHOL LAW MIXES THINGS UP

The only state to require that bars and restaurants serve liquor from mini-bottles is ending the practice, and business owners and bartenders are trying to figure out how the change will affect their bottom line. One result is obvious: South Carolina bars and restaurants will no longer be known for serving the nation's strongest drinks. http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-12-29-sc-alcohol-law_x.htm

2004 Liquor Commissioner Survey Shows 3 Main Concerns

Top 3 Concerns of Liquor Commissioners in Grundy, Kendall, and Will Counties:

1. Sales of beverage alcohol to underage people in restaurants and bars

2. Sales of beverage alcohol to underage people at retail outlets

3. People driving under the influence after leaving bars and restaurants.

SOURCE: 2004 Survey of Liquor Commissioners by InTouch Prevention Service Area 8. For more information, contact InTouch at (815) 469-1970.