Ontario adds sexual violence prevention to mandatory training for those who serve alcohol
CBC
Ontario's mandatory training program for those who sell, serve, deliver or handle alcohol will soon include training on how to recognize and respond to sexual violence in a bar or restaurant setting.
In a news release, Smart Serve Ontario said it's announcing the launch of a new learning module Friday.
"Recognized as the first line of defence within a variety of establishments, bartenders and servers are critical in the protection and wellbeing of patrons against sexual violence," the statement reads.
Smart Serve Ontario declined to share more details with CBC News in advance of the announcement, but it said more information will be unveiled at an event at an Etobicoke restaurant on Friday morning.
While servers and advocates for sexual assault survivors are applauding the move, some are wondering what took so long. Since 2015, they say they've been pushing for the Smart Serve program to include training on sexual violence, and that many incidents could have been prevented had it been brought in sooner.
Smart Serve Ontario offers in-person and online training for servers working where alcohol is sold. It's approved by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and is mandatory for those serving alcohol in the province. The training includes a final certification test.
In Smart Serve Ontario's media advisory, it touted the important roles servers play.