Community News
Smart Serve Ontario gives back by offering free online services for individuals and businesses
BY JONELL PANTLITZ
Smart Serve Ontario (a company recognized by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission) is the official delivery agent of the Responsible Alcohol Beverage Sales and Service Training Program for Ontario. They wanted to give back and support the immediate need for more food delivery drivers during the COVID-19 pandemic, with intentions to further help support the hospitality and tourism industry of Ontario.
On March 26th, 2020, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) announced new measures that would temporarily allow liquor-licensed establishments to sell beer, wine, and spirits as part of food orders for takeout or delivery. With that announcement, the AGCO and Smart Serve Ontario made the decision to partner to provide free access, for a limited time, to the Smart Serve Responsible Alcohol Sales and Service Training Program.
Mary D’Alton, Board Chair of Smart Serve Ontario expressed, “We have had such an extraordinary response from the: community, job training partners, and institutions. We thank you. We are happy to know so many have benefited from this initiative,” she continued. “This opportunity has been able to support 100,000 enrollments, a value of $3.5 Million, and that makes us proud.”
As a result of the tremendous response, the program has had to close the offer. For individuals who have started their online training, they still have 30-days from the date of enrollment to complete the training and certification test. The Smart Serve Online training program continues to be available for $34.95 + tax.
The Smart Serve Online program provides more options in career pathways and opens up businesses to wider consumers, which is beneficial for our communities in Ontario.
“The company’s mandate is to support the industry. As we maneuver through our constantly changing environment and society, we are finding new ways to educate and support the public. We knew we wanted to do something to help,” said Richard Anderson (Executive Director Smart Serve Ontario). “We are excited to know that so many people are becoming certified, educated, and ready to work safely, when we are back and open for business.”
Responsibility when consuming still remains an important focus of Smart Serve Ontario. “We want to continue to make sure all Ontarians are making informed and responsible choices when consuming alcohol, even in their home environment.”
Individual certification training can be completed online 24/7. Get ready to learn with: short videos, quizzes, text/audio, activities, and games before completing the Final Certification Test online. The program has been translated and is now available in six different languages: English, French, Chinese, Korean, Punjabi, and Spanish. The training will prepare you to work in any environment where alcohol is sold, served, or sampled in the province of Ontario. If you are interested in taking the program feel free to check out the link below.
Smart Serve Ontario (Online Training)