Posted on: May 30, 2023
Why Maintaining a Daily Log of Alcohol Incidents is Essential for Responsible Alcohol Service
Maintaining a daily log of alcohol incidents at a restaurant or bar is not only a responsible practice but also an essential one. This log serves as a written record of all the incidents that occur within the establishment regarding the consumption of alcohol. It includes any instances of intoxication, refusals of service, and any other events related to the sale and service of alcohol.
The Importance of Maintaining a Daily Log
Why is it important to maintain such a log, you ask? For starters, it acts as a tool for the establishment to demonstrate the steps they have taken to prevent the over-service of alcohol to customers. In the event of a lawsuit, having a detailed record of incidents can show that reasonable efforts were made to avoid alcohol-related accidents or injuries. Such a log can also provide evidence that employees were trained in safe-serving techniques and knew how to identify and handle customers who were showing signs of intoxication.
Demonstrating Efforts to Prevent Over-Service of Alcohol
Having a daily log can also help an establishment keep track of problematic customers. If a customer has been overserved or caused a disturbance on a previous occasion, the staff can refer to the log and take the necessary steps to ensure that the same incident doesn't happen again. This can range from cutting off service to calling law enforcement if needed.
Identifying Trends and Patterns
Another reason why maintaining a daily log is important is that it can help the establishment identify trends and patterns. By analyzing the log, owners and managers can spot recurring issues, such as employees who consistently over-serve or customers who frequently become intoxicated. This information can help the establishment take corrective action and implement policies and procedures to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
Promoting a Safe and Responsible Drinking Culture
It's also important to note that maintaining a daily log isn't just about preventing lawsuits; it's also about promoting a safe and responsible drinking culture. By keeping track of incidents, the establishment can monitor alcohol consumption and ensure that it doesn't get out of hand. This can help to prevent incidents of drunk driving, fights, and other dangerous behaviors that can put customers and the public at risk.
Protect Your Business and Start Today
Maintaining a daily log of alcohol incidents is a crucial step for any establishment that serves alcohol. It provides a written record of the steps taken to prevent over-service of alcohol, helps to identify problematic customers and patterns, and promotes a safe and responsible drinking culture. By keeping such a log, an establishment can demonstrate that they have taken reasonable efforts to avoid alcohol-related accidents or injuries and minimize liability in the event of a lawsuit. Consider purchasing a TIPS Incident Report Log Book to keep a detailed record of alcohol incidents and promote a safe environment for your customers.
Take it one step further and invest in TIPS alcohol training for your staff. TIPS provides comprehensive training for servers and bartenders to ensure that they are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to handle difficult situations related to alcohol service.
Contact us today to learn more about TIPS courses and order an Incident Report Log Book!
