Smart Choices is the LGCA suite of certification programs for hospitality industry and cannabis industry employees. We partner with Neovation to offer these programs through their SmarterU learning management system. Visit the program website at SmartChoicesMB.ca.
The LGCA has recently updated the Smart Choices Liquor Service and Retail Certification program. Please scroll below for some common frequently asked questions.
NOTE: If you have previously purchased a course code through MTEC, you will not be able to log in, and you will need to request a new code. Please contact the LGCA to find out how to access the new course. Submit this online form (click here), select Smart Choices in the inquiry dropdown menu and provide us with your first and last name, email address, and the details about the course code you have.
The new programs are designed to be more interactive and accessible, and will cost $25, a savings of $20.
If you have questions about Smart Choices, please contact us (select Smart Choices in the inquiry dropdown menu).
Smart Choices Liquor Service and Retail Certification
NOTE: If you have previously purchased a course code through MTEC, you will not be able to log in, and you will need to request a new code. Please contact the LGCA to find out how to access the new course. Submit this online form (click here), select Smart Choices in the inquiry dropdown menu and provide us with your first and last name, email address, and the details about the course code you have.
Upcoming deadlines to renew Smart Choices have been extended. Check your Smart Choices card to see when it expires. If your Smart Choices certification expires in 2022, it will be treated as valid until December 31, 2022. You will not receive a new card. You must complete Smart Choices before December 31, 2022 to recertify. If your Smart Choices certification expires after December 31, 2022, the expiry date on your card continues to apply.
If you have Serving it Safe or It’s Good Business training, you have until December 31, 2022, to complete Smart Choices. If you do not have a current responsible service training, you must complete Smart Choices before starting work in a licensed service or retail establishment.
The goal of Smart Choices is to increase public safety. This training focuses on legal and safety obligations at liquor service and liquor retail establishments, such as checking ID, not serving to intoxicated people, knowing your responsibilities under liquor laws, and dealing with safety and security risks at work. Smart Choices also includes problem gambling awareness training, as gambling generally is offered in businesses where liquor is served. Requiring the same liquor and gambling training for everyone means that the Smart Choices certification is easily transferable across the hospitality industry.
Smart Choices Cannabis Retail Certification
Managers and staff who sell cannabis in a licensed retail store must complete Smart Choices before beginning work. The certification costs $25 and is valid for five years. Visit SmartChoicesMB.ca to take the program and test.
The new cannabis course is now available. All recent entrants into the cannabis industry will now be required to complete their certification.
The goal of the Smart Choices is to increase public safety. This training will help people who work at licensed cannabis stores understand the legal requirements when selling cannabis, while establishing consistent social responsibility standards for stores across the province. Smart Choices focuses on providing facts about cannabis and lower-risk use, and on teaching retailers how to identify and refuse sales to intoxicated customers and young persons under the age of 19.