Online-only testing a barrier in Ontario's Smart Serve recertification process
Ontarians who handle alcohol must retake their Smart Serve test by the end of June, as part of the province’s five-year recertification rules that came into effect last summer.
Officials said the online-only testing option is inaccessible to many, including seniors that work in the bar industry or those in remote areas.
One northern MPP told CTV News that the change is going to have a negative impact on seniors clubs in the region.
“I have at least five clubs, just in Nickel Belt, who have made it really clear to me they will have to close their doors, if their volunteers are not able to renew their Smart Serve,” said Nickel Belt MPP France Gélinas.
Gélinas said she has spoken with Ontario’s Attorney General, who oversees smart serve, but didn’t see any meaningful changes.
Jim Nault, the event and bar manager for the Schumacher Lions Club, told CTV News he was already "miffed" at having to retake his Smart Serve certification after more than 25 years.
On top of that, he said many of his volunteer servers are worried their lack of access to and knowledge of technology will mean they won’t be able to continue working at the club.
“As it stands, I have about 20 people that have their Smart Serve. As of July 31, I may have maybe 10,” said Nault.
He said his volunteers are having trouble navigating the technology requirements, since Smart Serve only offers online testing and electronic certificates.
Nault said he worries it will affect staffing for events, but Gélinas said the situation is not unique and may be worse in some ridings, including her own.
Gélinas said while Contact North does offer computer access across the region, many seniors fail the online tests because they can’t handle the technology, including requirements to look at their screen the entire time.
“We had somebody from the LCBO come in … he went through all the videos with us, everything else,” said Nault.
“Then we all sat down, he gave us all the tests, he watched us write the tests and he certified all of those tests. And we all got our license. Now, why can’t they do that again?”
Nault added many prefer to learn in-person.
Smart Serve does offer in-person classes, but none are available in the northeast and the classes do not include testing.
“They should be allowed to do their exam on paper, like they have always done. Smart Serve is not willing to do this,” said Gélinas
CTV News reached out to the Attorney General’s office and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario for comment, but has yet to receive a response from either.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6975424.1721817745!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
BREAKING Bank of Canada cuts interest rate, signals more to come if inflation keeps dropping
The Bank of Canada has decreased its policy interest rate for the second consecutive time and signalled more cuts are coming if inflation continues to ease.
Canadians being 'sent home immediately,' removed from Olympic team after drone incident
An analyst and an assistant coach with Canada Soccer are being removed from the Canadian Olympic Team and 'sent home immediately,' according to the Canadian Olympic Committee.
EXCLUSIVE Canadian company at the centre of alleged international pyramid scheme: authorities
Foreign governments say hundreds of thousands of people in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka lost savings to a company headquartered in Canada. This investigation from the IJF and CTV News shines a new light on how Canadian shell companies and registries were used to pull off the scheme.
Pennsylvania state police commissioner reveals stunning details about Trump shooting
A local law enforcement commissioner revealed during a House Homeland Security hearing on Tuesday stunning new details about the security failures that led to the near assassination of Donald Trump, raising more questions for the embattled U.S. Secret Service.
Host city revealed for 2034 Winter Olympic Games
Salt Lake City was awarded the 2034 Winter Olympic Games on Wednesday following a vote of the International Olympic Committee.
Plane crashes just after takeoff from Nepal's capital, killing 18 people. Pilot is lone survivor
A plane crashed Wednesday just after taking off from Nepal’s capital, killing 18 people and injuring a pilot who was the lone survivor.
Laws that could get Canadians in trouble in tourism hotspots
There are some laws in popular tourist destinations around the world that could land Canadian travellers in mild-to-serious trouble if they're not careful. Don't let these local laws land you in hot water during your next vacation abroad.
Why Toronto is a special place for 'Deadpool & Wolverine' star Hugh Jackman
Toronto has a special place in Hugh Jackman's heart. During an exclusive interview with Etalk in front of dozens of fans gathered in the parking lot of 299 Queen Street West on Tuesday, the Australian actor shared that the city was where his Wolverine journey began.
The Old Farmers' Almanac just released Ontario's fall forecast. Here's what to expect
A 'frosty' fall is in store for Ontario, according to a newly released forecast from the Old Farmers’ Almanac.