Pennsylvania RAMP – Responsible Alcohol Management Program

RAMP (Responsible Alcohol Management Program) is a voluntary certification program offered by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB). It is designed to help licensees understand and implement responsible alcohol service practices and demonstrate that they are managing their licensed establishment in a proactive, compliant way.

To become RAMP-certified, a licensed establishment must complete several program prerequisites, apply for certification through PLCB+, and then maintain those standards. Once approved, RAMP certification is valid for 2 years, as long as all requirements continue to be met.

RAMP Program Components (Prerequisites):

1. Owner/Manager Training
   At least one owner or the PLCB-approved manager must complete RAMP Owner/Manager Training. The first time an individual completes this training, it must be taken in a classroom (in-person, instructor-led) format. Subsequent trainings may be completed in one of three ways:
   • Classroom (in-person, instructor-led)
   • Virtual (instructor-led)
   • Online (self-paced, no live instructor)
   Owner/Manager Training covers house policies, procedures, and key elements of server/seller responsibilities.
2. Server/Seller Training
   Server/Seller Training covers how to check IDs (including fake IDs), recognize signs of intoxication, and responsibly manage patrons. It is for anyone who serves or sells alcohol and/or checks identification (including owners and managers).
   
   To qualify for RAMP certification:
   • At least 50% of the licensee’s alcohol service staff must be RAMP-trained.
   • This 50% threshold must be maintained at all times.
   • Employees must pass a course exam with a score of 80% or better.
   Training is available online through approved providers, in scheduled classroom sessions via PLCB+, or by scheduling with approved instructors. Costs are set by each provider.
3. New Employee Orientation
   For a licensee’s first RAMP certification, all alcohol service personnel must complete a New Employee Orientation using the PLCB’s Licensee New Employee Orientation Form. Orientation must be provided by the owner, manager, or a designated employee and must be completed within 30 days of hire.
   
   The orientation covers:
   • Liquor laws regarding sales to minors and visibly intoxicated patrons
   • Acceptable forms of identification and carding practices
   • House policies and expectations
   Completed orientation checklists must be kept for the duration of employment and for two years after separation.
4. Signage
   RAMP requires responsible alcohol service signage to be posted in the licensed premises:
   • At least two signs must be posted.
   • Signs must address acceptable forms of ID and the duty to refuse service to minors and visibly intoxicated persons.
   • Signs may be ordered through PLCB+ or created by the licensee as long as they are equivalent in size and content.
   • Signs must be prominently displayed and maintained at all times.

Applying for RAMP Certification:

After all prerequisites are met (Owner/Manager Training, Server/Seller Training thresholds, New Employee Orientation and Signage), the licensee must:

1. Apply in PLCB+:
   Submit a RAMP certification application through PLCB+. There is no fee for certification or recertification.
2. Maintain Requirements During the 2-Year Period:
   The PLCB will review whether all prerequisites are satisfied. If approved, certification is valid for 2 years, but the licensee must continually meet RAMP requirements. Failure to maintain them can result in certification being rescinded.

An establishment is not considered RAMP-certified until the PLCB has reviewed the application and officially granted certification.

Benefits of RAMP Certification:

1. Well-Trained Staff & Management
RAMP helps ensure owners, managers, servers and door staff are knowledgeable about Pennsylvania liquor laws, ID verification, intoxication recognition, and house policies.

2. Recognition as a Responsible Licensee
RAMP-certified establishments can be recognized by the community, enforcement, and regulators as proactive and responsible in alcohol service.

3. Reduced Dram Shop Liability
A trained staff and documented policies can help reduce the risk of civil liability associated with serving minors or visibly intoxicated patrons.

4. Possible Liquor Liability Insurance Discounts
Some insurers may offer discounts or favorable terms to RAMP-certified licensees.

5. Possible Reduction in Fines & Penalties
If a RAMP-certified licensee is cited for serving a minor or a visibly intoxicated person, and had no prior citations for those violations in the previous four years, RAMP certification may be considered in reducing fines or penalties issued by an Administrative Law Judge.