Professional Standards and Ethics Flashcards
7 cards from real ABST practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Professional Standards and Ethics flashcards as text
Which of the following is an example of implicit bias that could affect alcohol service decisions?
Answer: Assuming a guest from a certain background is more likely to cause trouble and refusing them preemptively
Implicit bias involves making service decisions based on stereotypes rather than observable behavior, which is both unethical and potentially illegal.
What is the primary reason ABST emphasizes professional development and continued training?
Answer: To keep servers current with evolving laws, best practices, and ethical standards
Ongoing training ensures service professionals remain equipped to handle new situations responsibly and legally.
A guest presents a valid ID but you strongly suspect they have pre-gamed and are already intoxicated. The ethical course of action is to:
Answer: Assess behavioral signs of intoxication and refuse service if warranted, regardless of ID validity
Valid ID confirms age, not sobriety; observable intoxication signs are the basis for an ethical refusal decision.
Which describes the ethical concept of 'non-maleficence' as applied to alcohol service?
Answer: Avoiding actions that are likely to cause harm to the guest or others
Non-maleficence—'do no harm'—requires servers to avoid actions, like over-serving, that could foreseeably injure guests or third parties.
How should a server handle a situation where personal religious beliefs conflict with serving alcohol?
Answer: Discuss the conflict privately with management before accepting or continuing the role
Personal belief conflicts with job duties should be resolved professionally through management discussion, not unilateral action on the floor.
Which action demonstrates the professional standard of 'due diligence' in alcohol service?
Answer: Proactively monitoring guests throughout their visit and acting before intoxication becomes obvious
Due diligence requires active, ongoing monitoring rather than reactive intervention only after obvious impairment.
A guest accuses you of discrimination after you refused their service. How should you respond professionally?
Answer: Calmly explain the specific observable reasons for refusal and involve a manager
Citing specific, behavior-based observations demonstrates that the refusal was legal, policy-based, and non-discriminatory.