How The Tennessee Responsible Vendor Program Works
What protections are offered by the TN RVP?
Tennessee Responsible Vendor Act became effective in July 2007. It provides two major protections for off-premises beer permit holders that enroll their stores, train their clerks and properly document their participation in the program. If the beer permit holder fulfills the requirements of Tennessee's Responsible Vendor Program (RVP), the beer permit cannot be suspended or revoked for a sale-to-minor violation that is considered a first offense. Enrollment in RVP also caps the beer permit holder's fine at $1,500 for a sale-to-minor violation (first offense).
How are Store's Enrolled in the TN RVP?
Stores can enroll by filling out the appropriate paperwork and submitting it to the Tennessee ABC with an enrollment of at least $25, depending on the amount of clerks employed at the permit holder's store. Stores must have 100% of the employees trained at each location within 61-days of the permit holder's enrollment in the TN RVP and once the store is enrolled in the TN RVP, all new-hires are required to be trained within 61-days of their hire date. The state does not currently charge enrolled stores a fee for adding new hires but information required on new hires and their TN RVP training must be submitted to state on state proscribed forms.
Clerks are only required to be certified by class and exam work once. Once a store and their Clerks are enrolled, stores are required to conduct an annual review with employees in the fourth quarter of every year. Stores must also submit a renewal fee of at least $25 based on the amount of employees trained at each location. Stores must also submit updated personal and employment information on their Clerks at the time of the renewal each year.
Who Can Enroll Stores and Clerks?
Only state-certified RVP trainers like RVP Training Co. can teach RVP class and administer the exams. RVP Training Co. can train your Clerks, enroll your stores and maintain your TN RVP status.
Tennessee law also allows beer permit holders to operate their own state-certified RVP programs. RVP Training Co. can also assist you with drafting and submitting the paperwork necessary to have your company's own TN RVP state-approved program. Please contact us if you would like to hear more about designing your own state-approved TN RVP custom curriculum, exam and certification.
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