ServSafe Alcohol, a program that provides training and certification to workers who serve alcohol, has become the first classroom-based training in Iowa approved to provide affirmative defense protections to businesses whose employees complete the certification. Affirmative defense protects a business from civil prosecution in cases of sale-to-minor violations, as long as the employee responsible has successfully completed ServSafe Alcohol training and passed the certification exam, according to a news release. The business may avoid prosecution but the employee remains legally accountable and may face fines for the infraction, the release said. Affirmative defense protections are limited to once every four years per business and require employees to be certified prior to any violation. The approval follows legislation enacted last year that expanded eligibility for affirmative defense protections beyond the state’s Iowa Program for Alcohol Compliance Training. The ServSafe Alcohol program is designed to address real-world challenges in alcohol service, including age verification and handling potential situations unique to restaurants and bars. Participants take a certification exam that must be renewed every three years. For more information about classes, click here.