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

This paper describes the relationship between research and policy in the development of server training policy in Ontario. With the emergence of civil liability for the conduct of intoxicated patrons, there has been a growing movement toward the training of managers and servers in licensed establishment in the responsible service of alcohol. As part of a major government reform of alcohol regulations which has led to a new Liquor Licence Act, all persons who serve alcohol in licensed establishments in Ontario will be required to attend a server training course. The process leading to new alcohol regulations in Ontario is summarized with particular attention to the implementation of mandatory server training. The paper concludes with a discussion of the role of research in policy development. It is argued that the role of research in policy making is limited by an inherent conflict between the nature of scientific enquiry and the exigencies of policy development.