In accordance with the Alcoholic Beverages Article § 3-504 of the Maryland Annotated Code, the Comptroller of Maryland must approve and certify alcohol awareness programs offered throughout the State of Maryland.
These programs certified by the Comptroller must include instruction on how alcohol affects a person's body and behavior. Provide education on the dangers of drinking and driving; define effective methods for serving customers to minimize the chance of intoxication; ceasing service before the customer becomes intoxicated and determining if a customer is under the drinking age.
In Garrett County, a holder of any class of retail alcoholic beverages license or an employee designated by the holder shall complete training in an approved alcohol awareness program. The training shall be valid for a period of four years. The certified person is generally not required to be present at all times but must be an active employee or license holder.
TIPS for Concessions Training - Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at the Grantsville American Legion Post #214 from 5:30 PM to approximately 9:30 PM. 108 Miller Street, Grantsville. To register, contact: Debbe Owston at 301-334-1925 or by emailing dowston@garrettcountymd.gov This training is sponsored by the Garrett County Board of License Commissioners / Liquor Control Board and is grant funded by MDOT MVA Highway Safety Office and the Garrett County Health Department. Document TIPS for Concessions Training at the Grantsville American Legion Post #214 (326.4 KB)
TIPS On-Premise Training - The next class will likely be scheduled late summer.
This training is intended for restaurants, cafes, bars, nightclubs, resorts, hotels, in-store tastings or any type of establishment where alcohol is consumed on the premises.
TIPS-On Premise trainings are designed for businesses who routinely sell alcoholic beverage to be consumed on-site. The course will teach individuals how to recognize when a customer is intoxicated or underage. In addition to preventing the illegal sale or service of alcohol, employees learn how to handle intoxicated customers and keep them from harming themselves and others.
TIPS for On Premise empowers your employees to take a proactive approach toward preventing alcohol misuse and maintaining control of the environment. By training your staff to recognize the signs of intoxication, you can reduce the chance that an alcohol-related incident will occur. TIPS-trained bartenders and servers show your customers that you care about them and want to make their visits to your establishment as pleasant as possible. Employees learn strategies that ensure responsible alcohol service, promote professionalism, and enhance customer service skills.
Additional information is available by calling 301-334-1925 or by emailing dowston@garrettcountymd.gov
The following links will take you to an approved alcohol awareness program routinely offered in Garrett County or Allegany County.
Document TIPS - Training for Intervention ProcedureS (76.91 KB) Document (28.01 KB) Document - (139.56 KB) DaVina Griffith
S.A.S. - Safe Alcohol Service - Dawn Shugars
TIPS Maryland Online Alcohol Awareness Training Program is not currently approved. Online training does not fulfill regulatory requirements in this state. You may complete this course for employer-required training or educational purposes. If you would like to obtain state-approved certification, please enroll in a classroom course.
TAMUSA.COM TAM® Online is not currently approved for certification required by the Maryland Office of the Comptroller of the Treasury Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Bureau.
