BIIAB Level 1 Award in Responsible Alcohol Retailing (ARAR)

The Award in Responsible Alcohol Retailing covers the knowledge required by front-line employees working in the licensed retail sector who are authorised by the Personal Licence Holder or Designated Premises Supervisor to sell alcohol. The qualification acts as the starting point for further and more advanced qualifications as employees progress and become more valuable to the business in which they work.

The qualification examines the nature of alcohol, its effects and the potential consequences of excessive consumption; the fundamentals of the Licensing Act 2003; the licensing objectives; and the law in relation to the Responsible Retailing of Alcohol.

This industry standard, nationally recognised level 1 qualification provides employees with the knowledge to perform in their role responsibly. The qualification acts as a safeguard for the premises licence, as it strengthens the defence of due diligence where prosecutions may affect continued operations. This is due candidates having to demonstrate that they understand the core licensing issues surrounding the Licensing Act 2003 and the associated licensing objectives in order to pass the examination and be awarded their certificate.

What does the qualification cover?

What is alcohol and how does it affect us? • licensing law • protection of children • your social responsibilities • recognising drunkenness and your duty not to serve • dealing with alcohol-related crime and conflict •

What is the outcome of the qualification?

On completion learners will be able to identify and apply their responsibilities in selling on licensed premises. They will have an understanding of the law in relation to the Licensing Act 2003 and be able to apply these laws while promoting the licensing objectives in their workplace.

On successfully completing the Award in Responsible Alcohol Retailing and passing the associated examination, learners will receive a certificate from the BIIAB.

The qualification will provide them with the skills and knowledge to work more effectively, professionally and responsibly in their workplace.

How is the qualification assessed?

The qualification is assessed via a short 30-minute, 25-question multiple-choice examination; candidates must pass the examination in order to be awarded their certificate.

The examination consists of 25 questions of which 3 mandatory questions are based on the core aspects of the Licensing Act 2003. Learners must answer all 3 mandatory questions correctly and correctly answer 14 out of the remaining 22 questions in order to pass the examination.

Once completed, examination papers are returned to the BIIAB to be marked. The BIIAB allow themselves seven working days to communicate the results to us. We aim to inform learners of their results by phone or by email the same day. Certificates are sent to us from the BIIAB within 10 working days of the results notification and we aim to forward these by post to our clients, within 48 hours of them being received by us.

Who accredits the course?

The course is accredited by the BIIAB. Beyond The Blue are approved to administer training and examinations by the BIIAB. The BIIAB Level 1 Award in Responsible Alcohol Retailing is endorsed by the government and is accredited by the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual) as a level 1 qualification. Level 1 means it is a qualification which supports employment progression. The qualification counts towards other BIIAB qualification schemes.

Additional information

A comprehensive course handbook is sent to each learner once they have completed the registration process; this enables them to complete their 'open learning'. 'Open learning' consists of Learners reading through the course handbook; this results in better examination results, as exams are based on this content.

The BIIAB Level 1 Award in Responsible Alcohol Retailing acts as a safeguard for the premises licence, as it strengthens the defence of due diligence where prosecutions may affect a company's continued operations. This is because the examination contains 3 mandatory questions which demonstrate every candidate fully understands the relevant legislation concerning underage sales, serving people who are drunk and the licensing objectives.