Cracker Barrel faces scrutiny over alcohol training practices

In a recent meeting of the St. Mary's County Alcohol Beverage Board, a Cracker Barrel employee faced scrutiny for serving alcohol to an underage customer, resulting in a $100 fine. The employee, who had been with the establishment for less than six months, admitted to a lapse in judgment, stating that the failure to check identification was a mistake amidst personal distractions.

The employee had completed online training for the alcohol beverage license but acknowledged that this training was not supplemented with in-person instruction at the restaurant. Board member Richard expressed concern over the reliance on online training, suggesting that a combination of online and face-to-face training would be more effective.

In defense of the establishment, attorney Linda Carter emphasized Cracker Barrel's commitment to training, noting that all employees must complete the ServSafe course before serving alcohol. She highlighted that while there is no formal in-person training class, employees undergo practical training by shadowing experienced staff. Additionally, she mentioned that the unit has several managers certified in TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures), reinforcing the establishment's dedication to responsible alcohol service.

The board ultimately approved the motion for a fine, allowing the employee ten days to pay and the option to appeal within 30 days. The meeting underscored the importance of comprehensive training in preventing underage alcohol sales and the responsibilities of both employees and establishments in adhering to alcohol regulations.