Palmetto Retailers Education Program in south carolina

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Palmetto Retailers Education Program (PREP)

Palmetto Retailers Education Program (PREP)

Palmetto Retailers Education Program (PREP) is a course that helps reduce underage access to alcohol and tobacco products in our communities, while also lowering the liability risks for businesses and their employees. This class is available for managers and employees to gain knowledge in procedures for ensuring laws governing sale and service of alcohol and tobacco are understood and followed. It also provides tips and resources to assist in checking identification and handling sale refusals or intoxicated customers. There is also a section on policies and procedures that can be utilized by any business to implement.

PREP is approved by the South Carolina Department of Revenue and the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS) and is the only merchant education program available in South Carolina that covers off- and on-premise alcohol sales practices, tobacco sales practices, development of sales policies, and more. This is a two- to four-hour course that helps reduce underage access to alcohol and tobacco products in our communities, while also lowering the liability risks for businesses and their employees. It provides knowledge and skills to comply with policies and avoid potential consequences for failing to comply with those policies. Participants will receive a 2-year certification card at the completion of the course and test. Participants will also receive a participant manual with all information and resources to take back to their establishment.

This is a training for anyone who serves or sells alcohol or tobacco products, including:

Hotel/Motel Managers
Food and Beverage Managers
Restaurant and Bar Owners and Managers
Liquor Store Owners and Managers
Convenience Store Owners, Managers and Employees
Grocery Store Owners, Managers and Employees
Alcoholic Beverage Servers
Special Events Coordinators

Participants will learn about:

SC laws governing sale/service of alcohol and tobacco.
Penalties for breaking the law
How to check IDs and recognize fake IDs
How to manage intoxicated patrons
How to refuse a sale

Avoid the penalties by completing this educational course. The penalty for a person charged with selling alcohol to someone under the age of 21 is up to $677.50 and/or 30 days in prison, and mandatory completion of an approved merchant education program. Individuals who sell or serve alcohol improperly can be sued if a customer is injured. The penalty for a person charged with selling tobacco products to someone under age can include fines up to $677.50. Anyone who sells alcohol or tobacco has a responsibility to ensure they are making a legal sale to someone of age with proper identification. PREP can make sure the employees and managers of any establishment are prepared for how to ensure they follow necessary steps for a sale and know how to refuse a sale when needed.

To set up a class or if mandated to take the class due to receiving a violation, call ALPHA Center at the location nearest you. For individuals taking the class proactively the cost is $25. For those charged with a violation, the cost is $50.

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Confidentiality & CARF Accredidation

All services are considered confidential and are protected by federal law (42 CFR Part 2) and the Health Insurance Portability Act (HIPAA) of 1996. Due to Confidentiality regulations, all individuals must sign a release of information regarding their protected health status. Clients and parents of clients under age 16 will also be asked to sign an acknowledgement that says they have received the privacy notice.

ALPHA Behavioral Health Center is a CARF Accredited institution.

Resources & Support

Learn more about alcohol, nicotine, and other drugs through these informational fact sheets and resources. You will also find links to affiliated agencies and organizations for further information regarding substance use, mental health and behavioral health needs.

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