MRFA January Newsletter Thank you to all of our members for helping to make the 2017 localfare tradeshow successful. If you have any feedback on what you enjoyed most about this year's show or have ideas for how we can improve for next year, please complete one of the surveys below: We look forward to seeing you in 2018! Are you a restaurant member? Then sign up to participate in the MRFA gift certificate program. It's completely free to sign up and we pay for the advertising and printing costs. LGA NEWS RELEASE Smart Choices
Smart Choices, a new training program for hospitality industry employees, launched January 2, 2017. Smart Choices replaces Serving It Safe and the Problem Gambling Assistance Program. Manitoba’s liquor and gaming regulator, the Liquor and Gaming Authority of Manitoba (LGA), and the Manitoba Tourism Education Council (MTEC) have partnered to develop and deliver the online program. Smart Choices focuses on current laws, safety requirements, and responsible strategies when serving or selling liquor. “The focus is safety,” explains LGA Executive Director and CEO Rick Josephson, adding that liquor servers and salespeople can protect themselves and their customers by understanding and following the law. Smart Choices also features new elements to increase awareness about problem gambling, drink‑spiking and sexual assault, and Canada’s low-risk drinking guidelines. Manitoba is among the first provinces in Canada to incorporate these elements into responsible service training. While responsible service training has been required for restaurants, lounges and other service establishments since the 1990s, the same standard now applies to liquor retailers, including managers, security and staff at beer vendors, Liquor Marts, liquor vendors and specialty wine stores. Josephson explains, “Requiring the same training for all licensees creates a level playing field and results in standardized knowledge in the hospitality industry. This approach also gives employees the flexibility to move around the industry without the need for additional training.” Smart Choices certification will be valid for five years from the date a person completes the program. The LGA is also offering a five-year grace period to anyone who has already completed Serving It Safe or the former It’s Good Business training program through MTEC. The LGA consulted broadly with Manitobans, including hospitality industry representatives, as part of the development of Manitoba’s new liquor laws in 2014. The LGA has communicated with all retail and service licensees about Smart Choices.
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“We see the new comprehensive Smart Choices program as an effective way to reach out to hospitality workers across the province. Our hope is this new training program will help to get support information into the hands of even more Manitobans who are struggling with alcohol and gambling.” Ben Fry, CEO, Addictions Foundation of Manitoba
“Our managers, staff and security are continuously placed in difficult situations and faced with new issues. Staying on top of current trends and keeping knowledge up-to-date protects all staff working in restaurant environments.” Coralee Dolyniuk, Executive Director, Manitoba Restaurant and Foodservices Association
“We were pleased to work with the LGA to ensure that the transition to Smart Choices will be as seamless as possible for the hospitality industry.” Scott Jocelyn, President and CEO, Manitoba Hotel Association
For more information, please visit SmartChoicesMB.ca IMPORTANT NOTICE FROM THE MRFA OFFICE We are looking for a space to hold our first of 4 breakfast education sessions. Our first session will be Wednesday, March 8 at 9 am – 10:30 am. We require space for 20 – 30 people. Microphone capabilities would be a great asset. Please contact the office if you are able to provide space.
Mark your calendars: Breakfast Education Session On Human Resources – Wednesday, March 8, 2017, 9:00 am Location TBD MRFA AGM – May 16 MRFA Golf Tournament – August 22, Bel Acres Golf and Country Club
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