On June 22, 2015, the Evanston Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition hosted a free, sold out, Beverage Alcohol Sellers and Servers Education and Training (BASSET) class at the Evanston Ecology Center.  Under the licensing and auspices of the Illinois Liquor Control Commission, BASSET is designed to encourage responsible and legal alcohol sales and services.  The goals and objectives of the BASSET program are:

• Train and educate sellers and servers to engage in responsible alcohol service;
• Spot signs of intoxication and utilize various intervention techniques;  
• Prevent DUI's and alcohol-related fatalities;
• Stop underage sales and underage drinking;
• Create safer communities and establishments where alcohol is served;
• Educate owners, managers and staff on dram shop insurance, state laws, and local ordinances regarding alcohol service.

The new BASSET law takes effect on July 1, 2015, requiring all alcohol servers and bouncers in Cook County who work at a location where alcohol is served and consumed on-site to attend BASSET, and also calls for all Illinois BASSET cardholders to renew their certification every three years.  

For more information on BASSET, visit the Illinois Liquor Control Commission.  To learn more about or get involved in the Evanston Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition please contact the ESAP Coalition Coordinator, Karen Finstad, at esapc.coordinator@gmail.com or visit the ESAP Coalition online