NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Under a new state law, service industry workers like bartenders are required to undergo more in-depth and frequent training. Advocates for survivors of sexual assault are celebrating the new legislation.
The bill , passed earlier this year, went into effect Wednesday and requires anyone serving alcohol to renew their license every two years instead five. Not only do they have to renew their licenses more frequently, but they must now also take a course to understand the role of alcohol in sexual assault and harassment.
New Tennessee laws that take effect Jan. 1, 2025
The course has to be at least three-and-a-half hours long and must also include training on best practices for ensuring patron safety and bystander intervention, recognizing the role of drugs in assault and strategies to prevent drugging in establishments.
In addition, the trainings are also legally required to “educate servers on recognizing and reporting signs of human trafficking.”
The Sexual Assault Center (SAC) in Nashville worked with lawmakers to craft the legislation. Tia Freeman, director of communications for the SAC, called it a positive move.