Guides
Compare your options
Side-by-side guides for the choices people ask us about most, with the official sources linked on every page.
Side by side
- Serving It Right vs Smart ServeServing It Right (BC) vs Smart Serve (Ontario): cost, exam, pass mark and validity side by side, and whether either certificate works in the other province.
- Serving It Right vs Special Event ServerServing It Right vs Special Event Server in BC: who needs which, cost ($40 vs $25), exam length (35 vs 25 questions), and why SIR covers special events too.
- Serving It Right vs FOODSAFE Level 1Serving It Right and FOODSAFE Level 1 are different BC certificates: one for serving alcohol, one for food safety. Who needs each, cost, exam and how long they last.
Best ways to prepare
By role
- Serving It Right for bartendersWhat BC bartenders need to know: Serving It Right is required, plus the rules on serving sizes, pre-mixing, refills, infusions, bottle service and staff drinking.
- Serving It Right for serversWhat BC servers need to know: when Serving It Right is required, minors serving at 16, Bring Your Own Wine, sealing wine, the half-hour rule and cutting people off.
- Serving It Right for managers and licenseesWhat BC licensees and managers must do: SIR for every manager and server, six-year records, incident logs, posters, out-of-province staff and penalties for minors.
- Serving It Right for security and door staffWhat BC door and security staff need: a Security Services Act licence, plus the liquor rules they enforce: two-ID checks, intoxication and the 24-hour rule.