Serving alcohol is one of the main duties of servers in bars and restaurants. Pouring drinks is not the only thing servers do. To serve alcohol legally and safely, servers need to be aware of certain things. We will cover in this article some important points that a server should know before serving alcohol. These include legal rules, how you can spot someone who is drunk, the different types alcohol and how to handle difficult situations.

What a Server Needs to Know Before Serving Alcohol:

Understanding the Law

The age at which alcohol can be consumed and served is the first thing that a server should know. It is important to know the legal age for serving and consuming alcohol. Serving underage people is against the law, which can result in fines, the loss of a license or even the closure of a restaurant or bar. The legal drinking age in most places is 21. However, laws can vary by state and country.

A server must know how to carefully check IDs. It is not sufficient to look at an ID quickly. He must also verify that it is genuine. Servers need to learn to recognize fake IDs, and they should also understand the consequences that come with serving alcohol to minors. It’s better to refuse service if there is any doubt as to the identity of the person.

Recognizing Intoxication

A server must also know how to identify when a client is a problem. Intoxicated guest . In many places, it is illegal to serve alcohol to someone already drunk. Intoxication can be identified by slurred or shaky speech, poor coordination and glassy eyes. It may also manifest in changes in behavior such as being louder or more aggressive.

If a server sees these signs in a customer, they should stop serving alcohol to them. It can be difficult to cut someone off, but this is important for everyone’s safety, including the server and the customer.

Alcohol and Beverage Types

A server should have a good understanding of the various types of alcohol and be able to identify them. Beer, wine, cocktail, and spirit drinks are just a few of the many types of alcohol. Each drink has a different alcohol concentration, so a server must be aware of these differences. A shot of whiskey, for example, has a much higher alcohol content than a beer glass. This information will allow a server to monitor the amount of alcohol that a guest consumes and avoid overserving.

A server should also be able to identify popular drinks, the ingredients of popular cocktail and how to make recommendations based on guest preferences. If someone requests a refreshing and light drink, a server may suggest a gin-and-tonic or light beer. Understanding these options can improve customer service, and make sure that guests enjoy their experience.

Menu

The server should be familiar with the entire menu of the bar or restaurant, not just drinks. It is important to know the entire menu, not just the drinks. Many guests enjoy matching their drinks and meals. A light white wine pairs well with seafood while a bold, red wine works with steak.

It can improve the dining experience for guests to know which drinks pair well with certain foods. This can also help the server recommend more items. This will lead to higher tipping and a better dining experience for the server as well as the guest.

How to Handle difficult Situations

A server must know how to deal with difficult situations such as dealing a customer who is aggressive or intoxicated. In such cases, a server’s first priority should be de-escalating the situation and preventing further problems. It’s crucial that a server knows when to seek help from either a manager or security if a guest is disruptive.

The server must know how to cut off someone politely when they have had too much alcohol. It can be difficult, because the guest might not accept the news well. A server should be firm, but polite, and explain that this is for their safety as well as the safety of other guests. You can ease the tension by suggesting a non-alcoholic beverage or food.

Collaboration with Colleagues

Working as a group is essential in a busy restaurant or bar. When serving alcohol, a server needs to communicate with other coworkers such as bartenders and managers. If a server notices that a guest is getting drunk, the bartender should not serve more drinks.

Communication is also important to ensure that guests receive their drinks promptly and orders are accurate. To keep things running smoothly, a server must work well with their team.

Responsible Alcohol Service

A responsible server is more than simply following the law. Serving alcohol responsibly is important to prevent accidents such as drunken guests driving home. Some bars provide training in responsible alcohol service. 

Serving water or soft drinks with alcoholic beverages will help guests stay hydrated and reduce their alcohol consumption. Also, suggesting food to guests can help them absorb alcohol. This will reduce their chances of becoming too intoxicated.

Health and Safety Standards

A server should also be familiar with the standards of health and safety that apply to alcohol service. It is important to maintain cleanliness, follow proper sanitation practices and ensure that all glasses and utensils have been cleaned. A server must also know how to store and handle the alcohol properly to avoid contamination or spoilage.

A server may also be required to know about allergy concerns in some situations, particularly if the drinks they serve contain nuts, dairy products, or certain fruit. It is important to be aware of potential problems for the safety of guests.

As you can see, there are a lot of things that a server should know before they serve alcohol in a restaurant or bar. Knowing the law, being able to recognize intoxication, understanding different types of liquor, and dealing with difficult situations are all responsibilities of the job. A server who is responsible and knowledgeable can make sure that the alcohol they serve to their guests is legal, safe and enjoyable.