The policies include responsible beverage serving training for all employees
The River Rock Restaurant and Marina Bar in Brick, New Jersey was one of six Ocean County establishments to implement a TIPS policy in 2018. Pictured from left to right: Rory Wells, DART Prevention Coalition Co-Chair; Maria Conrow, General Manager, River Rock; Marco Giancarli, Owner, River Rock; Jeff Ryan, Barnegat Township Police Department and Co-chair of the DART Underage Drinking Workgroup; Michel Buldo, DART Prevention Coalition Coordinator; Michael Capko, DART Prevention Coalition Manager.
Lakewood, N.J., 7/10/2018 – Six Ocean County establishments recently implemented TIPS policies to help prevent guest intoxication, underage drinking and drunk driving through responsible beverage serving. The TIPS polices are an initiative of the DART Prevention Coalition of Ocean County, a grant-funded community coalition based in the RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention and Recovery.
The Clarion Hotel in Toms River, Tuckers Tavern and Plantation Restaurant in Long Beach Island, Breezes Bar and Grill in New Gretna, Oyster Creek Brewery in Waretown, and River Rock Restaurant and Marina Bar all implemented TIPS polices in 2018.
Each TIPS policy requires 100 percent of the establishment’s staff including servers, bartenders and front of house employees be trained to recognize the signs of intoxication, prevent the sale of alcohol to minors, handle alcohol-related situations with greater confidence, and use proven strategies to prevent alcohol-related problems.
“By implementing a TIPS policy, establishments help minimize the risks associated with alcohol service, protecting both patrons and staff,” said Michele Buldo, Coordinator of the DART Prevention Coalition. “It’s important to have local establishments engaged in responsible beverage serving efforts right here in Ocean County.”
When an establishment implements a TIPS policy, the DART Prevention Coalition provides free TIPS training to all front of the house staff, black lights for the detection of fake IDs, latest license check ID guides and schedules future trainings for any new employees.
To learn more about implementing a TIPS policy for your establishment, contact Michele Buldo at michele.buldo@rwjbh.org.
About the DART Prevention Coalition:
Comprised of community leaders including law enforcement and government officials, educators, business owners, treatment providers, clergy and youth, DART focuses on preventing underage drinking prescription drug misuse, and the illegal use of marijuana and tobacco. Learn more about the DART Prevention Coalition at rwjbh.org/DART.
About the RWJBH Institute for Prevention and Recovery:
The RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention and Recovery is a leader in the state for prevention, intervention and substance use disorder services. Through comprehensive recovery programs, the Institute for Prevention and Recovery perpetuates real change by facilitating effective, long-term recovery for individuals suffering from the disease of addiction. The Institute is also recognized for training and educational programs, serving schools, hospitals and communities throughout New Jersey. For more information, visit www.rwjbh.org/preventionandrecovery.
Media Contact:
Rebecca Garvey
rebeccalynn.garvey@rwjbh.org
732-837-9426