OHIO, USA — A new bill at the Ohio Statehouse aims to protect lives, property and those who serve alcohol.
The bill would make it mandatory for liquor permit holders and their employees to complete training approved by the Superintendent of Liquor Control.
It has the support of bar owners. Ohio Bar Owners Association Executive Director Andy Herf says it's something they've tried to do over the years, and it's another incentive for bar owners to get their employees trained.
"We want them to understand how to serve alcohol, don't serve to kids, how to cut people off if it's time to tell them to go home and to give them the support that they need," Herf said.
Under the bill, training would include instruction on laws about beer and liquor sales, preventing sales to underage people, recognizing when to stop serving an intoxicated person and conflict management skills.
"We have to find the right balance between serving people and everybody having fun and enjoying life and the dangers that come with it as well, obviously things like driving," Herf said.
The bill would also provide immunity from civil liability to those who complete and implement the training measures. They could not be held liable in a case where a drunk person causes injury, death or property damage as long as they followed those training protocols.
Jennifer Bushby with the Ohio Restaurant and Hospitality Alliance said in a statement that while they learn more about the bill, they encourage the businesses they represent to complete the ServSafe Alcohol Safety Certification, even though it's not mandatory at this time.
"Should the bill progress, we would work closely with Ohio Liquor Control to better understand the necessary training to ensure Ohio restaurant and hospitality businesses meet the requirements," Bushby said.
The bill is called "Hayden's Law" for Hayden Kaiser, 25, who died in a car crash in Summit County in 2021. The bill has its first hearing in the House Civil Justice Committee on Tuesday.