What is RAMP Certification?
Legislation enacted June 18, 2001 established the Responsible Alcohol Management Program, which is a voluntary certification that provides incentives for licensees who participate and complete 5 components. Act 26 of 2006 requires any licensee who has been found guilty by the Administrative Law Judge of sales to minors or visibly intoxicated persons to comply with RAMP for a period of up to one year. A licensee may also be mandated to complete RAMP as part of a conditional licensing agreement (CLA).
RAMP is the umbrella term used to describe this collection of training and resources available to licensees and their employees. Completion of this program provides certification to the licensed establishment for two years. In order to comply, the establishment must complete all parts of the program, which include Owner / Manager Training, Server / Seller Training, New Employee Orientation, Signage, and Affidavit Request for RAMP Certification.
1. Owner / Manager Training
This component consists of training for owners and managers. An owner and/or the PLCB approved manager must attend a free training that is offered by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. Act 113 of 2011 requires all managers approved by the PLCB to complete this training component within 180 days of approval, unless successfully completed within the previous two years.
2. Server / Seller Training
This component consists of training for employees. At least 50% of the licensee's alcohol service staff must complete an approved server / seller training. Included in this group is anyone who serves alcohol and/or checks IDs, as wells as owners and managers. This percentage must be maintained at all times. Trainees are required to complete a course examination and must receive an 80% or better in order to receive credit for participating in this course.
3. New Employee Orientation
This component consists of orientation for new employees. Licensees must conduct a new employee orientation within 30 days of the employee's hire. The PLCB will provide the orientation form and appropriate learning materials.
4. Signage
This component requires licensees to post and maintain signage regarding responsible alcohol service. Appropriate signage is available from the PLCB. Signage shall minimally include the following information:
- Acceptable forms of ID
- Refusal of alcohol service to minors and visibly intoxicated patrons
5. Affidavit Request for RAMP Certification
This component requires the licensee to file an Affidavit Request for RAMP Certification on the PLCB's website at www.lcb.state.pa.us. Licensees will receive certification providing all requirements are met.
Pennsylvania Liquor Control Agency:
The contact information for the department that handles liquor licensing in Pennsylvania is the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. Contact information for the PA board is listed below.
Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board
Phone: 990 Briarsdale RD, Unit A
Harrisburg, PA 17109
RA-LBRAMP@pa.gov
866-275-8237
You are encouraged to contact the PA liquor board with any questions you may have about PA seller/server regulations or specific bartending legality questions that may not be addressed on ramprenewal.com.