New partnership with SAFE Bar Network establishes a voluntary framework for hospitality venues committed to responsible alcohol service and guest safety
(WASHINGTON, DC) — Responsibility.org debuts Serving with CARE, a new voluntary initiative designed to recognize bars, restaurants, and other hospitality venues that demonstrate leadership in responsible alcohol service. The initiative aims to strengthen consumer confidence by affirming that responsible alcohol service and guest safety are core values within the hospitality industry.
Serving with CARE unites restaurants, bars, hotels, tasting rooms, visitor centers, and other hospitality venues around a set of principles that go beyond legal compliance and promote a culture of responsibility, safety, and excellent customer experience. This launch is supported by a partnership with SAFE Bar Network, a nonprofit organization with more than 430 venues dedicated to creating safer nightlife by training bar, restaurant, and nightclub staff in active bystander intervention and workplace safety.
“Consumers want to know the places they visit and enjoy are committed not only to providing great hospitality experiences, but also to responsibly,” said Leslie Kimball, Executive Director of Responsibility.org. “Serving with CARE provides a visible commitment to responsible alcohol service via two sets of principles that help build trust with guests, supports hospitality professionals, and demonstrates leadership and accountability. Responsibility starts with each of us.”
This initiative is in support of Responsibility.org research finding the following:
- 81% of consumers expect hospitality venues to promote responsible alcohol consumption.
- 70% of consumers see bars or restaurants committed to clear standards for responsible alcohol service more positively than those without clear standards.
- 64% of consumers are more likely to visit establishments committed to alcohol responsibility.
Venues may commit and join Serving with CARE at no cost, making it simple to continually demonstrate their commitment to responsible alcohol service.
Serving with CARE Core Principles
Participating venues commit to:
- Training all alcohol-serving staff in responsible alcohol service.
- Going beyond legal requirements to prevent underage access to alcohol.
- Empowering customers to make responsible alcohol choices.
- Supporting safe trips home and encouraging transportation alternatives when appropriate.
Serving with CARE Advanced Principles
Participating venues are encouraged to further demonstrate leadership by:
- Informing and rewarding team members who champion responsible alcohol service.
- Collaborating with local partners and community stakeholders to promote alcohol safety and responsibility.
By participating in Serving with CARE, venues raise industry standards while demonstrating their commitment to responsible alcohol service, strengthening guest confidence, and supporting staff with clear principles that reinforce safe, welcoming hospitality environments. The initiative encourages businesses to integrate responsibility into daily operations and to go beyond basic training by empowering team members to help set a higher standard for guest care and industry leadership, while fostering a culture where responsibility and celebration go hand in hand.
“Hospitality professionals have tremendous influence on the safety and well-being of their guests,” said Haleigh Harrold, Executive Director of the SAFE Bar Network. “Through our partnership with Responsibility.org, Serving with CARE gives venues practical tools, recognition, and support to make responsible alcohol service part of their everyday culture. Together, we can help create environments where guests feel welcome, safe, and confident in the establishments they choose to patronize.”
Serving with CARE is part of Responsibility.org’s broader efforts to promote responsible alcohol choices, eliminate underage drinking, and prevent drunk and impaired driving. Through education, recognition, and collaboration, the initiative provides hospitality venues with a voluntary framework for demonstrating their commitment to responsible service and guest care.
For more information, visit www.servingwithcare.org.
