Environmental

If you plan to do business in the production, sale, and distribution of alcohol in a state, you must contact the appropriate authorities for more information about the state and local requirements.

April is Alcohol Awareness Month and it's the perfect time to sit your teen down and talk about the dangers of underage drinking. Research shows that parents are an important influence on whether or not their son or daughter chooses to drink alcohol. Kids do care about their parents’ opinions. They tend to respond well to a positive parenting style.

Bartenders must know a wide range of drink recipes and be able to mix drinks accurately and quickly. Bartenders should also receive training to be familiar with state and local laws concerning the sale of alcoholic beverages. #NationalBartenderDay occurs annually on the first Friday of December and recognizes the men and women working late nights serving alcohol to quench their patron’s thirst.

Following good food safety habits can help protect you and your family from food illness. To keep your family safe from food illness, follow these four simple steps: clean, separate, cook, and chill:

Going to the beach? While preparing for the heat on your body - also plan on the effects of heat on your food. Foodborne illnesses increase during the summer because not only does bacteria multiply faster in warmer temperatures, but preparing food outdoors makes safe food handling more challenging.

Biological food hazards are biological agents that can pose a threat to human health and include bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Bacteria and viruses are responsible for most foodborne illnesses and are the biggest threat to food safety. The most common result of infections from biological agents is gastroenteritis - inflammation of the stomach and small intestine. Also called the “stomach flu”, gastroenteritis is generally acquired through consumption of contaminated food or water, or through direct contact with an object, surface, or person - as a result of poor sanitation and/or hygiene.

Under dram shop laws, an establishment that serves alcohol to someone after he or she is visibly intoxicated can be held liable for the damage the drunk person causes.