Responsible Alcohol Service: Why It's Important

In the bustling atmosphere of bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues, the service of alcohol is a central aspect of the hospitality industry. Yet, with the enjoyment that alcohol can bring, there also comes a great responsibility: responsible alcohol service. This blog delves into why responsible alcohol service is not just a legal requirement but a moral obligation for establishments serving alcoholic beverages.

What Are the Responsibilities of an Alcohol Server? 

It is not only morally right to provide alcohol in a responsible manner but to buy a legal one as well. Certain laws are upheld in the United States, albeit they might differ depending on the state or even the local government. To maintain a culture of responsibility in your workplace, ensure: 

• Thorough ID Checks -  Proper ID checks are important in ensuring alcohol is served to those of legal drinking age. Servers and bartenders must verify customers' age using IDs, driver's licenses, or passports. This prevents underage drinking and potential legal consequences for establishments.
• Look Out for Intoxicated Customers  - Servers and bartenders are legally obligated to identify signs of drunkenness in patrons, such as slurred speech, shaky motions, poor coordination, and behavioral abnormalities. To avoid any overindulgence or injury, they must decline service to inebriated or tipsy customers.
• Hours of Service - There are distinct laws governing the hours that allow alcohol to be supplied in several regions. These rules could forbid alcohol sales during specific hours of the day or place limitations on late-night sales.
• Licensing and Permits - In order to legally operate, establishments that sell alcohol usually need to get certain licenses or permissions. Depending on the particular jurisdiction and kind of establishment, these licenses could change.
• Advertising and Marketing Regulations - When it comes to the marketing and promotion of alcoholic beverages, there are frequently certain laws in force. These laws may prohibit deceptive advertising, promote excessive consumption, or prohibit advertising to minors.

What Are the Consequences of Irresponsible Serving? 

Non-compliance with alcohol laws can lead to legal and civil consequences for bartenders and servers. Common punishments include:

• Monetary fines
• Suspension or revocation of establishment alcohol licenses
• Exposure to legal liabilities
• Criminal charges

In severe cases, criminal charges may be filed, leading to fines, probation, or even imprisonment. It is crucial for servers, bartenders, and establishments to stay informed about their jurisdiction's specific alcohol service regulations and consistently comply to avoid these potential consequences.

While severe legal consequences certainly exist, the true gravity of irresponsible serving lies in the avoidable loss of lives. Alcohol levels increase the negative effects on the central nervous system, and even small amounts can affect driving ability. In 2021, 2,266 people died in alcohol-related crashes with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of.01 to .07 g/dL. Take into consideration these key statistics of drunk driving provided by the NHTSA:

• In the United States, one person dies from an alcohol-related cause every 52 minutes.
• Every year, drunk driving accidents kill 10,000 people and account for around one-third of all road deaths.
• More than 230 youngsters died in drunk-driving accidents last year.
• Drinking and driving causes more than $44 billion in fatalities and damages each year.
• At the end of 2020, 26.8% of drivers killed or seriously wounded in an accident had alcohol in their system.
• Statistics show that drunk driving accidents are more likely to occur in June, July, and August.
• Approximately 68% of alcohol-related fatalities occur at night, whereas 28% occur during the day.

Best Practices for Safe Serving

To maintain a responsible alcohol service environment, it is important to limit the number of drinks served and encourage responsible drinking habits among customers. This helps prevent overconsumption and reduces the risk of intoxication-related incidents. Offering non-alcoholic alternatives and promoting a healthy lifestyle can also help.

Additionally, providing alternative transportation options, such as local taxi services, ride-sharing apps, or public transportation, can help prevent drunk driving incidents. These practices not only fulfill legal obligations but also serve as a moral responsibility, ensuring a safer environment for all involved.

Get Certified Today 

Serving alcohol responsibly is one of the many essential requirements that restaurants must follow, regardless of how long you've been in the industry. In addition to putting the restaurant at risk of large penalties, serving alcohol improperly or not at all to patrons can be harmful to both the host and other customers.

TIPS offers affordable online courses for responsible alcohol training in the food service industry. Enroll in one of these courses to expand your knowledge of responsible alcohol service, available 24/7 online. Start today!