The interaction between policy and research in the implementation of server training

Area of Science:

• Public Health Policy
• Alcohol Regulation
• Social Science Research

Background:

• Growing civil liability for licensed establishments regarding intoxicated patrons.
• Increased demand for responsible alcohol service training for staff.
• Government reform of alcohol regulations in Ontario.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the relationship between research and policy in Ontario's server training policy development.
• To summarize the process leading to new alcohol regulations and mandatory server training.
• To discuss the role and limitations of research in policy development.

Main Methods:

• Policy analysis of Ontario's alcohol regulations.
• Examination of the implementation of mandatory server training.
• Literature review on research and policy development.

Main Results:

• Mandatory server training is now a requirement under Ontario's new Liquor Licence Act.
• The study outlines the policy development process for this training.
• Research's influence on policy is constrained by the differing demands of scientific inquiry and policy-making.

Conclusions:

• The implementation of mandatory server training in Ontario is a significant policy development.
• There is an inherent tension between scientific research and policy development.
• Understanding this dynamic is crucial for effective public policy.