The BARS Program Blog Page 2>

Though it remains illegal at the federal level, a sweeping majority of U.S. states and territories have legalized marijuana for adult recreational-use and/or medicinal usage with qualifying criteria. Last year, the recreational cannabis market hit nearly $15 billion; 1 by some accounts, that industry is on target to surpass $40 billion in revenue by 2026. 2 As for the global medical cannabis market, it reached a value of $26.1 billion in 2021. 3 Marijuana by... Read More

Advances in smartphone technology continue to alter traditional ways of life. From our phones, we make retail purchases, cue our home thermostats and prioritize our days. Adding to surmounting smartphone capabilities, nearly a quarter of all 50 states now allow digital proof of identity, age and address, wherever physical driver licenses and other state-issued IDs are required. Louisiana stakes its claim as the first state to develop and deploy digital state-issued drivers licenses with the... Read More

Finding qualified employees to fill positions at the front of the house, back of the house and everywhere in between is a conundrum plaguing bars and restaurants at present time. As the proverbial door revolves back and forth, the National Restaurant Association reports slow Q1 job-growth right alongside elevated hires and increased departures during the same period of time. Put simply, a sizable number of employees are leaving a job at one restaurant only to... Read More

When it comes to serving alcohol, training requirements are anything but consistent across state lines. Several states require training and proof of completion; others make training completely voluntary; and yet some have no requirements whatsoever. California is one state that requires training. It s Responsible Beverage Service Training was recently amended to mandate that the state s estimated 1M servers take and complete valid training by August 2022; all future hires must complete the training... Read More

From travel and tourism, to healthcare and entertainment, entire industries continue to grapple with unforeseen circumstances brought upon by the Covid-19 Pandemic. The alcohol beverage sector, historically thought to largely be resilient in times of economic downturns, faces its own set of obstacles; as do restaurants and retail outlets where beer, wine and spirits are sold and tapped: businesses are shuttered, employees are hard to find, consumers buying and consumption habits have changed, and so... Read More

With each calendar year, new state laws are introduced and/or adjustments are made to existing ones; 2022 is no different. With an eye on tobacco- and e-cigarette-specific regulations, The BARS Program has rounded up state and county-specific changes set to take shape this year as part of the nation s ongoing fight against underage tobacco-use. In Illinois, the newly minted Preventing Youth Vaping Act heightens restrictions and penalties on e-cigarettes by allowing state law enforcement... Read More

As you proceed into the New Year, The BARS Program recommends doing away with dated or mirky company policies. Instead, take time to reformulate or reengineer, so your company policies are clear, concise and well-intentionally placed for employees and patrons alike to see. And if not a practice already, consider adding to your list of policies one that establishes proof of ID for patrons under the age of 35, for transactions that include alcohol, tobacco... Read More