With a focus on community safety, Buffalo Wild Wings has taken steps to ensure all of its servers are properly trained in how check identification before serving alcohol.
Approximately 30 servers received responsible beverage server certification, said Rachel Crockett, general manager.
The training is offered through a program overseen by Southeast Missouri Behavior Health and the Butler County Community Resource Council.
"We visit all of the alcohol retailers in the city of Poplar Bluff and that's really where we're focused right now, with alcohol compliance checks and responsible beverage server training," said Brandi Meese, director of prevention and community education. "We will do it for anyone."
Buffalo Wild Wings signed up after a server failed a compliance check, said Crockett. The server denied alcohol to one of the youth involved in the compliance check, but misread the birthday of the second individual, Crockett explained.
"Safety is our biggest thing, the safety of the community and the people on the road," she said. "The (teacher) made a point that responsible service isn't just (over) 21. It's identifying people that have over-consumed."
That was helpful for staff, said Crockett.
The training also includes tips on how to spot fake identification, and verify that the ID belongs to the person purchasing the alcohol, said Meese.
Buffalo Wild Wings asked for help in ensuring this type of event did not happen again, said Meese.
A business does not have to fail a compliance check to receive the training, she said.
"We would be more than glad to offer this class to anyone," Meese said.
Businesses that do fail a compliance check can receive a reduced penalty if they utilize the training class, she said.
For more information, contact Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health at 573-686-5090.