Police chief wants TIPS training for bartenders

Knickerbocker to compile and review reports on alcohol-related incidents

Saratoga’s police chief has taken notice of alcohol-related incidents, and further reports could affect establishments’ abilities to renew its liquor licenses.

Police Chief Tom Knickerbocker said he is compiling and reviewing police reports on alcohol-related incidents, such as bar fights and DUIs, and how they relate to establishments over-serving patrons. Knickerbocker said the reports he reviews could affect an establishment’s ability to renew its liquor license.

“I would just caution these establishments, because if I get enough, I am going to write a letter of recommendation to the council for a suspension of the liquor license,” he said.

Knickerbocker cannot suspend or issue a liquor license. He can only make recommendations to the Saratoga Town Council.

Knickerbocker said the majority of issues are directly related to Duke’s Bar & Grill. Knickerbocker said incidences are most likely related to bartender’s lack of education and training to handle some alcohol-related incidents.

Knickerbocker said he is looking to train one or more Saratoga police officers in Training for Intervention ProcedureS, or TIPS, an education and training program for the responsible service, sale, and consumption of alcohol.

Knickerbocker said those officers, after receiving TIPS training, can administer training to bartenders.

“It is more of a service to our community and to the bar owners,” Knickerbocker said.

The Saratoga Town Council approved all liquor licenses in its Thursday meeting. Mayor John Zeiger asked Town Clerk Suzie Cox to write letters to liquor-serving establishments, informing bar staff and owners of the issues.

In other business:

Knickerbocker announced Tony Gamble would begin working full-time for the Saratoga Police Department as the new School Resource Officer on a temporary basis.

“He is presently going to be working full-time to fill our school position until we find someone to permanently fill that spot,” Knickerbocker said.

Gamble said he has worked in Carbon County for about eight months, and has worked as a school resource officer at the Wind River Reservation.

“I am just looking forward to working with our youth because they are our future,” Gamble said.

Council member Sue Howe reported the Carbon County Council of Governments will keep the fifth penny tax on the ballot for next year. The Saratoga Town Council made a motion to to support that decision.

The Saratoga Town Council approved a motion to sell two lots of town property near the senior center.