As California’s new mandatory Responsible Beverage Service Certification deadline looms, San Francisco Wine School offers ABC accredited live training for 1 million servers in need All alcoholic beverage servers & managers are required to certify for responsible beverage service by August 31, 2022, per the state’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control June 27, 2022 - The State of California has issued a new mandate for Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) certification, for all 56,000 licensed businesses in California where alcohol is served that goes into effect this Friday, July 1.  The brand-new training and certification requirement is mandatory for everyone from servers to bartenders to bouncers, anyone who is part of the on-premise alcohol sales and service process for consumers.  These individuals and their managers must be trained through an approved RBS program and pass the California’s Department of Alcohol Beverage Control’s (ABC) certification exam by August 31, 2022.   On-premise licensees who do not have all alcoholic beverage service staff and managers certified by this date will be out of compliance with the ABC when enforcement begins.  This legislation was part of Assembly bills 1221 and 82, which charged the ABC to create this training and certification process.   There are only a handful of certifying organizations within the state like San Francisco Wine School, (SFWS) whose program is approved by the ABC to offer live, instructor-led training online, at their education and event center in South San Francisco, and at client locations throughout the state. A noted certification-focused wine education and event organization, SFWS has been in operation since 2011, offering 25 different programs, along with a wide array of workshops, public events, and private experiences for both trade and consumers.   Recognizing that this mandate needed to serve a wide audience in a short period of time, co-owners David Glancy, MS and Kristin Campbell jumped into action and began developing their program last year.   SFWS has their 4-hour certification class available publicly on July 26, August 22, and September 27 for a cost of $45 per person with opportunities for group discounts.  In addition, the school offers groups, associations, and individual wineries, bars, and restaurants this training privately, allowing them to focus discussions on areas and examples that are most relevant to their particular business.  SFWS’ RBS program is also expected to be available in Spanish in the coming weeks. According to Campbell, "RBS training educates persons seeking employment or who are currently employed as servers for on-premise consumption of alcoholic beverages. It aims to provide these important staff and managers with the necessary skills to responsibly serve alcoholic beverages and mitigate alcohol-related harm in California communities. We used our deep industry knowledge to create a curriculum that is in strict compliance with the ABC’s requirements with the goal of successful certification for all students and are one of only ten approved “in-person” providers authorized to teach live throughout the state."  SFWS has also pioneered hybrid room/zoom offerings during the pandemic where attendees can either attend live in-person or online and receive custom tasting kits across the US when wine is part of the experience.   “Using our state-of-the-art AV system for RBS training will allow us to conveniently and effectively train servers across the state and minimize travel expenses for those who want to participate from home or work.”  Important to note, TIPS, ServeSafe, and LEAD programs and certification completed prior to May 2021 do NOT satisfy the requirements for California’s Responsible Beverage Service Certification.  How the RBS Training and Certification Process Works at San Francisco Wine SchoolOnce registered for a training program at https://sanfranciscowineschool.com/rbs, each on-premise server and manager is required to register with the ABC at https://abcbiz.abc.ca.gov/ before the program start date and pay a $3 fee to obtain their Server ID. This Server ID is presented to SFWS who then certifies their class participation after the training, thereby opening their exam.  They must then pass the ABC's online RBS exam with a score of 70% or higher within 3 attempts after completion of the program to earn the state mandated RBS certification.    About California's Responsible Beverage Service Training Program Act and Related Certification Passage of California Assembly Bill 1221 in 2017 created the Responsible Beverage Service Training Program Act. The bill required the Alcoholic Beverage Control to create the Responsible Beverage Service Training Program (RBSTP) to ensure servers and their managers of alcoholic beverages are educated on the dangers of serving alcohol to minors and over-serving alcohol to patrons with the intention of reducing alcohol-related harm to local communities. The mandate creates a new training requirement for roughly 1,000,000 alcohol servers and managers of alcohol servers at an estimated 56,000 ABC licensees with on-premise alcohol sales privileges. The alcohol servers and managers who work at those locations must register with the ABC, be trained by an ABC approved program, and pass an ABC exam to be certified within 60 days of the enactment or after their first date of employment whichever is later. This certification must be renewed every 3 years by all alcohol servers as mandated by these new regulations. The passing of Assembly Bill 82, on June 29, 2020, extended the date in which this requirement is enacted to July 1, 2022. This change was made to alleviate the financial strain on the hospitality industry caused by the COVID-19 state of emergency. Effective July 1, 2022, all alcohol servers and their managers must obtain a valid RBS certification though an ABC accredited RBS training provider within 60 calendar days from the effective date or their first date of employment.  Uncertified Servers, Managers and Licensees will be out of compliance with this law beginning August 31, 2022, when enforcement begins. To learn more about SFWS' RBS program, visit here or contact help@sfwineschool.com or 650-763-1324.  For media inquiries, images, or interviews, please contact Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET of Charles Communications Associates at kcharles@charlescomm.com or 415-730-0064. # # #  

San Francisco Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International Opens Applications for New Membership Philanthropic organization of women leaders in food, fine beverage, and hospitality now accepting self and peer-nominated applications for membership SAN FRANCISCO, CA, April 18 2022—The San Francisco Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI) is now accepting applications for membership as it furthers its mission to support and nurture the next generation of women leaders in the food, fine beverage, and hospitality industries. For the first time, prospective members may apply directly to the organization without a nomination from an existing chapter member. This national policy change aims to provide women with an easier path to apply to LDEI for a more equitable nomination process that furthers the organization’s commitment to diversity. Prospective members may also be nominated by existing chapter members, as in years past. In 2022, the San Francisco Chapter of LDEI (LDEI-SF) welcomed a record-breaking 16 new members. In the 2022-2023 nomination period, the chapter will induct 10 new Dames, who will join a membership of accomplished leaders in food, beverage, wine, hospitality, publishing, media, public relations, and agriculture. Dames of the LDEI-SF engage in events, programs, and philanthropy. “The San Francisco Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier has always been blessed with a membership of forward-thinking professionals with diverse backgrounds,” said Pam Mazzola, President of LDEI-SF. “We are striving to propel and support women in positions of leadership across the many facets of the hospitality industry.” All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply via the online form through the self-nomination process. Women may also be invited to join LDEI by existing chapter members. LDEI-SF seeks nominees who will be active members of the Chapter. Members are requested to attend at least two member events per year and participate in the organization as volunteers, committee members, or chairs, host an event or serve on the Board of Directors. To qualify, nominees should: Have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in their respective field Possess the highest qualities of professionalism Be willing to actively contribute their time and talent as members Support the Les Dames d’Escoffier International Mission, Vision, and Basic Values Applicants will be asked to secure a letter of recommendation from a current Dame of the San Francisco Chapter. If the applicant is nominating themselves, a letter of recommendation will be provided if the applicant meets the criteria for membership. For a complete list of requirements, please review the application page on the LDEI-SF website. Completed applications will be accepted until May 31, 2022. Please contact LDEI-SF Membership Chair Frankie Whitman with any questions about nominations at frankiewhitman@gmail.com. ### About Les Dames d’Escoffier International LDEI is an international organization of women leaders who create a supportive culture in their communities to achieve excellence in the food, beverage and hospitality fields. To do this, 2,500 members in 43 chapters worldwide provide leadership, educational opportunities and philanthropy within their communities. For more information, visit LDEI.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram @lesdamesintl, Linked-in and Twitter @lesdamesintl. More information on The San Francisco chapter of LDEI can be accessed at lesdamessf.org. Follow our chapter activities on Instagram @lesdamessf. Media Contact Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET Charles Communications Associates 415-730-0064 kcharles@charlescomm.com     

San Francisco Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International Hosts "Upcycling! The Future of Food and the Planet" as Part of “Table Talks with Les Dames”Everyone’s Invited to the LDEI Table for Virtual Events  During Women’s History MonthSan Francisco, CA – March 15, 2022– The San Francisco chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI) will host a virtual event entitled "Upcycling! The Future of Food and the Planet: Thinking Bigger About Food Waste" on Monday, March 21st at 5:30 PM PST. Tickets are $25 and all are welcome to sign up here. The event is part of LDEI’s “Table Talks with Les Dames” – a month of virtual events hosted by LDEI chapters around the world. The San Francisco “Tables Talks with Les Dames” event will feature Claire Schlemme and Caroline Cotto, founders of Renewal Mill, moderated by Dame Alice Medrich.  Food waste from agriculture and food production represents a $1 trillion loss annually, from produce and byproducts that are never eaten.   Upcycling is essential to create a food system that is more sustainable and resilient, as well as environmentally friendly. This panel will share insights into this philosophy, and how one female-owned Bay Area startup is meeting the challenge of food waste by creating upcycled ingredients.    “We look forward to welcoming new faces to our table at this event,” said San Francisco LDE Chapter President Pam Mazzola. “Women’s History Month is a perfect time to shine a light on women in our industry through this series of fun and educational events.” In addition to the San Francisco LDEI event, dozens of other LDEI chapters around the world are hosting events, ranging from cooking and baking demonstrations with accomplished chefs, interviews and panel discussions with authors, journalists, chefs, restaurateurs and other leaders in their field, food and beverage tastings and more. The complete calendar of events can be seen here. A portion of the proceeds from all “Table Talks with Les Dames” virtual events will support the scholarship and philanthropy programs for each local chapter. About Les Dames d’Escoffier International LDEI is an international organization of women leaders who create a supportive culture in their communities to achieve excellence in the food, beverage and hospitality fields. To do this, 2,500 members in 43 chapters worldwide provide leadership, educational opportunities and philanthropy within their communities. For more information, visit LDEI.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram @lesdamesintl, Linked-in and Twitter @lesdamesintl. More information on The San Francisco chapter of LDEI can be accessed at https://lesdamessf.org.   Follow our chapter activities at IG https://www.instagram.com/lesdamessf/?hl=en @lesdamessf.   Register for this event here.   Credentialed members of the media can attend as our guests.  Please contact Kimberly Noelle Charles at kcharles@charlescomm.com or 415-730-0064 for more information. ### Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET 415-730-0064 kcharles@charlescomm.com