Illinois BASSET Training FAQ’s
Q: What is BASSET and what does it mean?
BASSET stands for Beverage Alcohol Sellers and Servers Education and Training. The Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC) is the licensing and regulatory authority for all seller/server training programs in the State of Illinois. The Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC) licenses, approves and administers seller/server training programs that are recognized as a BASSET approved program.
Q: Is Illinois BASSET training mandatory?
A: On July 1, 2015, a state law (public act 099-0046) took effect requiring all servers / sellers and bouncers (i.e., those required to check identification for the purchase of alcohol) in on-premise establishments (bars, restaurants, banquet halls) to take BASSET every three years.
Q: Who must attend Illinois BASSET training?
A: Illinois law requires all persons who are considered alcohol servers. “Alcohol servers” means persons who sell or serve open containers of alcoholic beverages at retail AND anyone whose job description entails the checking of identification for the purchase of open containers of alcoholic beverages at retail or for entry into the licensed premises.
Q: What will I learn in a Illinois BASSET class?
A: State-licensed Illinois BASSET programs provide training in areas ranging from prevention/intervention strategies to age-verification techniques. Participants will know how to recognize when a patron is intoxicated and has been over served. Servers will be taught behavioral cues and signs to spot when someone is intoxicated. They will be taught what to say and how to handle an intoxicated patron to discontinue service of alcohol at a liquor establishment. Training programs properly instruct sellers/servers regarding age-verification techniques, which can deter underage sales and service.
Q: Do I get a card or certificate after I complete an Illinois BASSET class?
A: The licensed Illinois BASSET provider is required to issue a temporary certificate of completion upon passage of the examination. Licensed BASSET providers must send a roster to the ILCC to grant state-issued Illinois BASSET cards to participants. It is the prerogative of the licensed Illinois BASSET provider, participant, or employer to request where they want their state-issued BASSET card sent.
Q: How long is certification good for and do I have to be recertified?
A: Illinois BASSET cards are good for three years from the date of issuance. You must recertify ever three years. Your certification can be transferred to other jobs.
Q: I lost my Illinois BASSET card, how do I get a replacement card?
A: You have to contact the licensed BASSET provider whom you took the class through and obtain your Student ID. You can also print your card via the BASSET Card Lookup web feature. You must have the student issued ID from the vendor who provided the course.
Q: What is the best way to protect the establishment and myself from a difficult customer?
A: Documentation. Complete an incident report immediately after the event occurred. A writable PDF template is offered to you by Traffic Accident Solutions, Liquor-Liability-Incident-Report-Form.
Q: What is the best way to prepare my establishment for a liquor inspection?
A: Liquor inspections can occur at random and you should always be prepared for an unannounced liquor inspection by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission or local law enforcement agency. Use our checklist as a guide to help you in being prepared for an inspection, Common Liquor Inspection Violations. You must also make sure your alcoholic beverage sellers / servers and those who check ID’s have current BASSET certifications.
Q: What is the minimum age to sell/serve alcoholic liquor?
A: Age is subject to local jurisdictional ordinances, but, at a minimum, the seller/server must be at least 18 years of age.
If you have any other questions, please send us an email at illinoisbassettraining@gmail.com.