12. Responsible Service of Alcohol

Due to the effects of alcohol upon a person’s Mudgment and activities, reasonable care should be taken when serving alcohol.

“Dram Shop”, an old English term for a pub, Laws involve civil complaints alleging that a

business “illegally” served alcohol to an individual who then (as a direct result of having been “illegally” served alcohol) caused the plaintiff (victim) to experience suffering or loss.

An example of such a lawsuit could involve an individual claiming loss as the result of a hotel having “illegally” served alcohol to their spouse, who, while driving under the influence, was permanently disabled in an automobile accident.

To help prevent this type of tragedy, it is important to know the rules of serving alcohol. First, it is illegal to serve alcohol to minors. The best way to be sure that the person you are serving is of legal drinking age is to check their ID. If you suspect that someone might be using a false ID or, if they are unable to produce an ID, refuse service and notify the other servers and the MOD that you have refused service and why.

Do not serve alcohol to someone who appears intoxicated. It is not only illegal to serve alcohol to an individual who is intoxicated, it can increase the probability of that person being in Mured in an accident. Learn how to recognize the signs of intoxication. Refuse service to anyone who appears intoxicated. Notify the other servers and the Duty Manager that you have refused service and why.

Learn to identify problem drinkers early. By identifying problem drinkers early, you can take measures to help reduce the potential of them becoming intoxicated. Increasing the time between drinks and offering suggestions about possible food options can be helpful. Notify the other servers and the MOD of what actions you have taken and why.

Serve only one drink at a time to each customer. If you serve more than one drink at a time to an individual, you lose control over the alcohol. It can now be given to someone who is underage or to someone who is intoxicated. This also can reduce the amount of time between drinks and increase the potential of the person becoming intoxicated. Stay in control by only serving one drink at a time.

Take reasonable care in deterring someone who is intoxicated from driving. Legally, you cannot physically stop someone from driving, however you should make an effort to provide an alternative. Offer to call a taxi, friend or relative.

Offer the person a meal or non-alcoholic beverages. When approved by hotel management, offer the person a room to stay for the night. If a person insists on driving, obtain a complete description of the person’s vehicle (make, model, colour, license number, etc.), notify the MOD and call the police.

Finally, document all incidents and actions. You never know when what you consider to be a

minor incident can turn into a maMor lawsuit. In order to protect yourself and the hotel, you should always complete an incident report whenever you:

• Have been asked to serve alcohol to someone who is not of legal drinking age.

• Suspend the service of alcohol.

• Take action to deter someone from becoming a problem drinker.

• Attempt to deter someone from driving after drinking.

Serving alcohol in a responsible manner and documenting your actions will go a long way to preventing alcohol related accidents and costly litigation.