💙 Hospitality professionals spend their days taking care of others. Smart Serve Cares is here to help take care of them. Available to individuals with a valid Smart Serve Certificate, Smart Serve Cares provides free mental health support and resources designed specifically for Ontario's hospitality workforce. Through the program, certificate holders can access virtual mental health counselling, digital cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), educational resources, and additional wellness supports. Proudly offered in partnership with Not 9 to 5 Org and GreenShield, we believe that supporting safer communities also means supporting the well-being of the people who work in them. 🤝 Learn more at smartserve.ca/cares. #smartservefacts #smartserve #retail #launch #responsiblesale #responsibleservice #liquor #ontario #online #training #ecertificate #alcoholpolicy #recertification

💡 Did you know? The Smart Serve Retail Training Program is designed specifically for individuals who sell alcohol in retail settings across Ontario. The program provides employees and managers with the knowledge and tools needed to support responsible alcohol sales, recognize signs of intoxication, understand legal responsibilities, and help create safer communities. 🤝 Whether you're new to the industry or looking to strengthen your team's understanding of responsible alcohol retailing, the Smart Serve Retail Training Program can help. 📚 Learn more about the program and how to get certified at smartserve.ca/retail. #smartservefacts #smartserveretail #smartserve #retail #launch #responsiblesale #responsibleservice #liquor #ontario #online #training #ecertificate #alcoholpolicy #recertification

Working in hospitality can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also take a lot out of you. If you have a valid Smart Serve certificate, you can access mental health support through Smart Serve Cares. 💚 ✅ 3 hours of free virtual counselling ✅ Wellness resources created for hospitality workers Proudly offered in partnership with Not 9 to 5 Org and GreenShield. Learn more at smartserve.ca/cares. #smartservefacts #smartserve #retail #launch #responsiblesale #responsibleservice #liquor #ontario #online #training #ecertificate #alcoholpolicy #recertification

Can employees consume alcohol while on the job? 🍻 Alcohol impairs judgment and affects the ability to serve alcohol responsibly. That’s why it’s strongly recommended that staff do not consume alcoholic beverages while on duty. ✅ Having clear House Policies in place helps create a safer environment for staff and guests alike. Learn more about House Policies and responsible alcohol service at smartserve.ca #smartservefacts #smartserve #retail #launch #responsiblesale #responsibleservice #liquor #ontario #online #training #ecertificate #alcoholpolicy #recertification

Hospitality work is demanding, and your mental health matters! ❤️‍🩹 ✅ If you have a valid Smart Serve certificate, you can access free virtual mental health counselling through Smart Serve Cares. Thanks to Not 9 to 5 Org and GreenShield, support is just a click away. 💚 🌐 Visit smartserve.ca/cares to get started. #smartservefacts #smartserve #retail #launch #responsiblesale #responsibleservice #liquor #ontario #online #training #ecertificate #alcoholpolicy #recertification

Extended liquor service hours have been approved across Ontario for the upcoming world soccer tournament. ⚽🍻 From June 11 to July 20, 2026 (until 4 a.m. on July 20), eligible licensed establishments may serve alcohol until 4 a.m. The standard 9 a.m. service start time remains unchanged. Licensees are reminded that all requirements under the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 and AGCO standards continue to apply. Responsible sale and service of alcohol remains mandatory. 🍻✅ 📍 Note: municipalities may opt out of the temporary extension. Licensees should confirm whether the extension applies in their municipality. For more information, contact the AGCO through the iAGCO portal or visit their website. #smartservefacts #responsiblesale #responsibleservice #liquor #ontario #online #training #ecertificate #alcoholpolicy #safety #howto

Do you know if patrons are allowed to walk around a restaurant with their drinks? What about when it’s okay to ask them if they are driving when they have been drinking? ✅ Patron’s can walk around with their drinks as long as it’s in a licensed area; and by using the “Chat & Check” method taught in the training, we suggest casually asking your table when they order their first round of drinks if anyone will be driving later. 📍 Remember: Whether the guest is driving or not, it is still the server's responsibility to ensure the guest is not served to the point of intoxication. ❌🥂 The Smart Serve certification equips you with tips like these, and the knowledge needed to handle all patrons and service situations in a professional and respectful manner. It's not just about compliance; it's about creating a safer community for everyone. 💚 🔗 Learn more or register now at smartserve.ca #smartservefacts #responsiblesale #responsibleservice #liquor #ontario #online #training #ecertificate #alcoholpolicy #safety #IDs #check

87% of hospitality workers in Ontario struggle with feeling burnt out. ❤️‍🩹 ✅ Smart Serve Cares removes the financial barrier and provides valid certificate holders with the care and connection they deserve. Partnering with Not 9 to 5 Org and GreenShield, Smart Serve Cares delivers real mental health support at no cost, no insurance, just support. 💚 Let’s end the stigma and lower the statistic together. 🫱🏻‍🫲🏽 Start today at smartserve.ca/cares. #smartservefacts #smartserve #retail #launch #responsiblesale #responsibleservice #liquor #ontario #online #training #ecertificate #alcoholpolicy #recertification

Please note that our office will be closed on Monday (May 18, 2026) for the Victoria Day holiday. 🌸 Smart Serve online training and proctored testing will remain available 24/7 throughout the long weekend. If you have any questions, feel free to check out our FAQs or email us at info@smartserve.ca. We'll get back to you as soon as possible once we're back in the office. Wishing everyone a happy Victoria Day long weekend! Enjoy your celebrations and stay safe! ✨ #smartservefacts #responsiblesale #responsibleservice #liquor #ontario #online #training #ecertificate #alcoholpolicy #safety #howto

Mental health matters in hospitality too. 💚 Thanks to our partnership with Not 9 to 5 Org and GreenShield, if you're a certified Smart Serve server, you have access to 3 free hours of virtual mental health counseling, plus helpful training and resources. Because caring for others starts with caring for yourself. 🫂 🔗 Visit smartserve.ca/cares for more info. #smartservefacts #smartserve #retail #launch #responsiblesale #responsibleservice #liquor #ontario #online #training #ecertificate #alcoholpolicy #recertification

Learn online, when, where, and how you want, with online training for Smart Serve courses! Regardless of if you’re taking the retail course, full course, or recertification, your Smart Serve training progress is saved automatically, so you can log in anytime and anywhere to continue learning without losing your place. Just make sure to log out when you’re done to keep your account secure! 🔐 To resume your training: 1️⃣ Go to smartserve.ca and log in. 2️⃣ Click on the "My Courses" tab to continue. 🚨 Reminder: Your course access expires 30 days from the date of purchase. Once it expires, you won’t be able to access the training or Final Test, so be sure to complete it on time! #smartservefacts #responsiblesale #responsibleservice #liquor #ontario #online #training #ecertificate #alcoholpolicy #safety #howto

Integrating mental health support into hospitality training is no longer optional, it’s essential. 💚 This Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re also approaching an important milestone: May 9 marks 2 years of Smart Serve Cares. Since launching the program, Smart Serve Ontario has remained committed to supporting the well-being of hospitality workers across the province. Hospitality workers face unique pressures that impact both their mental health and job performance. That’s why Smart Serve Ontario continues to provide mental health resources alongside our responsible alcohol service training programs. Certificate holders have access to free virtual counselling, digital cognitive behavioural therapy, and pharmacy support. Through our partnership with Not 9 to 5 Org and GreenShield, we’re helping remove financial and accessibility barriers to care. By supporting mental health alongside skill development, we’re helping hospitality professionals thrive safely and sustainably. It’s about more than compliance, it’s about community care. 🫂 🔗 Visit smartserve.ca/cares for more info. #smartservefacts #smartserve #retail #smartservecares #responsiblesale #responsibleservice #liquor #ontario #online #training #ecertificate #alcoholpolicy #recertification #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth

If your work involves serving, selling, or delivering alcohol in Ontario, it’s your responsibility to ensure that everyone is of legal drinking age (19 ). Serving alcohol to underage guests is a serious offence under the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019. When should you check I.D.? 🔍 If the person looks younger than 25 years old. 🔍 If their body language or behaviour is unusual, such as avoiding eye contact or rushing. Staying vigilant helps protect you, your workplace, and your community. ✅ #smartservefacts #responsiblesale #responsibleservice #liquor #ontario #online #training #ecertificate #alcoholpolicy #safety #IDs #check

Your mental health matters. Smart Serve Cares, created in partnership with Not 9 to 5 Org and GreenShield offers: 💚 3 hours of free online therapy 💚 Digital CBT to tackle stress and anxiety 💚 Wellness resources for you and your workplace Supporting valid Smart Serve certificate holders every step of the way. Learn more at smartserve.ca/cares. #smartservefacts #smartserve #retail #launch #responsiblesale #responsibleservice #liquor #ontario #online #training #ecertificate #alcoholpolicy #recertification

🚨 SCAM ALERT: Smart Serve Certification 🚨 We’re seeing scam listings on Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, and similar sites claiming they can complete your Smart Serve course or exam—for a fee. These are fraudulent and will not work. All Smart Serve exams are fully proctored, including: ✔️ ID verification ✔️ Webcam monitoring ✔️ Screen tracking ⚠️ Attempts to bypass the system will be flagged. Certification may be denied or revoked. Reminder: Your certificate must be earned by _you_. No third-party service can obtain it on your behalf. Stay safe: • Don’t buy “exam help” or “guaranteed pass” services • Never share your login or personal info • Only use the official website 🔗 smartserve.ca If you see a suspicious listing, report it to help protect others.

In Ontario, individuals can complete the Smart Serve training course at any age. However, to be legally permitted to serve, sell, handle, or deliver alcohol, you must be 18 years of age or older. This means that while younger individuals can complete the training in advance, they are not allowed to work in roles involving alcohol until they reach the legal minimum age. ⚠️ #smartservefacts #responsiblesale #responsibleservice #liquor #ontario #online #training #ecertificate #alcoholpolicy #safety #howto

📊 In hospitality, burnout is real: 87% report burnout, 77% depression, 84% anxiety, but 62% can’t afford help. We're trying to change that through Smart Serve Cares. Valid certificate holders get free therapy, Digital CBT, and pharmacy support, thanks to our partnership with Not 9 to 5 Org and GreenShield. Visit smartserve.ca/cares for more info. #smartservefacts #smartserve #retail #launch #responsiblesale #responsibleservice #liquor #ontario #online #training #ecertificate #alcoholpolicy #recertification

Your Smart Serve training progress is saved automatically, so you can log in anytime and anywhere to continue learning without losing your place. Just make sure to log out when you’re done to keep your account secure! 🔐 To resume your training: 1️⃣ Go to smartserve.ca and log in. 2️⃣ Click on the "My Courses" tab to continue. 🚨 Reminder: Your course access expires 30 days from the date of purchase. Once it expires, you won’t be able to access the training or Final Test, so be sure to complete it on time! #smartservefacts #responsiblesale #responsibleservice #liquor #ontario #online #training #ecertificate #alcoholpolicy #safety #howto

The hospitality industry can be rewarding but also exhausting. If you hold a valid Smart Serve certificate, you now have access to mental health support through Smart Serve Cares. ✅ 3 hours of free virtual counselling ✅ Wellness resources designed to support you This initiative is proudly made possible through our partnership with Not 9 to 5 Org and GreenShield. Learn more at smartserve.ca/cares. #smartservefacts #smartserve #retail #launch #responsiblesale #responsibleservice #liquor #ontario #online #training #ecertificate #alcoholpolicy #recertification

Not sure which Smart Serve training you need? Here's a quick guide: 🔸 Retail Training: For stores that sell alcohol (grocery, convenience, wine shops, etc.) 🔹 Full Training: For places that serve alcohol (bars, restaurants, events, etc.) Please note that the Retail Training is not valid for licensed venues, only for retail environments! Also, don't forget that you have 30 days to complete the course and the Final Test. More info at smartserve.ca/retail. #smartservefacts #smartserve #retail #launch #responsiblesale #responsibleservice #liquor #ontario #online #training #ecertificate #alcoholpolicy #recertification