ABST Practice and Application 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A cocktail server notices a group of four has been drinking for three hours, and two members show signs of intoxication. The group orders another round. What is the safest approach?
- Serve the entire table since not everyone appears intoxicated
- Refuse service to the visibly intoxicated individuals while offering non-alcoholic options to all (Correct answer)
- Stop service to the entire table without explanation
- Serve one drink per person and then close the tab
Correct answer: Refuse service to the visibly intoxicated individuals while offering non-alcoholic options to all
Servers may continue service to non-intoxicated guests while refusing those showing signs of impairment.
Question 2: Which of the following is a reliable BAC estimator method available to servers?
- Asking guests how many drinks they have had
- Using a certified breathalyzer kept behind the bar
- Observing behavioral cues such as slurred speech and coordination loss (Correct answer)
- Checking the guest's pulse rate
Correct answer: Observing behavioral cues such as slurred speech and coordination loss
Servers are trained to use behavioral observation cues because they cannot legally administer breathalyzer tests.
Question 3: A customer becomes verbally aggressive after being refused a drink. What is the recommended response?
- Reverse the refusal to de-escalate the confrontation
- Remain calm, restate the refusal clearly, and involve a manager if needed (Correct answer)
- Threaten to call police immediately
- Ignore the customer until they leave on their own
Correct answer: Remain calm, restate the refusal clearly, and involve a manager if needed
Calm, firm communication with management backup is the safest way to handle refusal-related aggression.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of a 'last-call' announcement in a licensed establishment?
- To maximize revenue before closing
- To give patrons a final opportunity to order while allowing time to assess before they leave (Correct answer)
- To comply with noise ordinance requirements
- To signal kitchen staff to begin cleanup
Correct answer: To give patrons a final opportunity to order while allowing time to assess before they leave
Last call gives servers time to observe guests after a final drink is served before they attempt to drive.
Question 5: Which factor most significantly accelerates alcohol absorption into the bloodstream?
- Drinking carbonated beverages with alcohol (Correct answer)
- Eating a high-fat meal before drinking
- Drinking slowly over several hours
- Alternating alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
Correct answer: Drinking carbonated beverages with alcohol
Carbonation speeds gastric emptying, causing alcohol to pass into the small intestine and bloodstream faster.
Question 6: A guest in your establishment appears sober but shows a valid ID indicating they are 20 years and 11 months old. What must you do?
- Serve them since they are almost of legal age
- Refuse service — the legal drinking age is 21 regardless of how close they are (Correct answer)
- Serve only beer and wine, not spirits
- Ask a manager to make the decision
Correct answer: Refuse service — the legal drinking age is 21 regardless of how close they are
The legal drinking age in the US is 21; being one month shy provides no legal exception.
Question 7: Which training record practice best protects an establishment in the event of a dram shop lawsuit?
- Keeping verbal confirmations from staff that they attended training
- Maintaining signed, dated training completion records for each employee (Correct answer)
- Relying on the state licensing authority to verify training
- Posting training schedules in the break room
Correct answer: Maintaining signed, dated training completion records for each employee
Signed and dated documentation provides verifiable proof that staff received responsible service training, a key defense in litigation.
ABST Practice and Application 3
A cocktail server notices a group of four has been drinking for three hours, and two members show signs of intoxication.
The group orders another round.
What is the safest approach?