The Foundation for Alcohol Responsibility (FAR), an alcohol-industry supported group that advocates for responsible use of alcohol and seeks to "prevent intoxication, drunk driving and other alcohol-related problems," has launched its first community-based project in Harrisonburg, Va.

FAR -- founded by the head of Health Communications, Inc., the company that produces the TIPS server-training curriculum -- will conduct alcohol-education outreach to local community members and leaders "while arming them with the information to both consume and serve alcohol responsibly and to intervene in instances of intoxication," according to a press release.

"Our goal is to get the entire Harrisonburg community speaking the same language when it comes to the sale, service and consumption of alcohol. We look forward to a continued impactful relationship with the community and to using this format in other cities around the country," said Jill Kerr, president of FAR.

Restaurants and bars will initially be targeted with server training. "The training provided servers and bartenders with the confidence and skills to help reduce instances of underage drinkers as well as reduce the number of intoxicated patrons and patrons who drive under the influence," according to FAR. A followup program will send "mystery shoppers" into bars to see whether IDs are being checked.

Responsible-drinking messages and social-norms marketing also be will directed at local college students.