TIPS Online Alcohol Server Training Program Approved in Wisconsin (WI)

Arlington, Virginia – January 31, 2009 Health Communications, Inc. (HCI) today announced that eTIPS, an online training and certification program for waiters, waitresses, and bartenders who serve alcohol, was approved as a provider pursuant to Wisconsin's mandatory alcohol server training law. The addition of eTIPS will greatly expand the training options available for those who serve or sell alcohol in the State of Wisconsin. Immediate benefits include aids to curb underage drinking, intoxication, and drunk driving, as well as new flexibility in extending such benefits to establishments large and small.

The eTIPS program addresses concerns specific to restaurants, hotels, nightclubs, and other on-premise liquor license holders and is tailored to apply to law and regulations unique to Wisconsin. In addition, eTIPS participants are able to assess the needs of their clients from both the legal and alcohol-related standpoint after viewing thought-provoking video clips. The final section of the course challenges participants by forcing them to apply intervention strategies learned from previous exercises. Participants take a certification examination at the conclusion of the course.

The eTIPS course if a self-paced, innovative approach to training servers of alcohol. It allows them to obtain practical and valuable training anywhere and at almost any time. Most importantly, this new tool will provide Wisconsin businesses with reduced exposure to alcohol liability lawsuits, lower insurance rates, and improved customer satisfaction. By means of video streaming and top-shelf technology, the eTIPS user participates in a lively and interactive experience.