Identifying Intoxication & Intervention Techniques Flashcards

What is a common sign of intoxication?

Answer: Slurred speech

Slurred speech is a common physiological sign of intoxication because alcohol impairs the central nervous system, affecting motor control and coordination, including the muscles used for speaking. When a patron's speech becomes unclear or difficult to understand, it indicates that their brain function is significantly affected by alcohol.

Which behavior may indicate a patron is intoxicated?

Answer: Stumbling or swaying

Alcohol significantly impairs a person's balance and coordination by affecting the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for motor control. Stumbling, swaying, or having difficulty walking in a straight line are clear physical indicators that a patron's motor skills are compromised due to intoxication.

Why is early intervention important?

Answer: Prevents serious incidents

Early intervention allows servers to address potential issues before they escalate into serious incidents. By identifying signs of intoxication early, servers can slow or stop alcohol service, offer alternatives, and arrange safe transportation, preventing accidents, fights, or legal liabilities. This proactive approach protects both the patron and the establishment.

Which technique can help when refusing service?

Answer: Use calm and respectful language

When refusing service, maintaining a calm and respectful demeanor is crucial to de-escalate potential conflict and ensure a safe interaction. Using polite, firm language helps convey the message clearly without provoking anger or defensiveness from the patron. This approach upholds professionalism and minimizes the risk of an aggressive response.

What is a backup plan for a denied service?

Answer: Provide food or non-alcoholic beverages

Offering food or non-alcoholic beverages serves as a responsible backup plan when alcohol service is denied, especially if a patron is showing signs of intoxication. This strategy provides an alternative, helps to slow down or stop further alcohol consumption, and can make the patron feel less singled out, while also promoting their safety. It demonstrates care without compromising legal obligations.

What should you do if a customer becomes aggressive?

Answer: Ask security or management for assistance

If a customer becomes aggressive, a server's priority is personal safety and the safety of other patrons. It is not advisable for a server to handle an aggressive individual alone. Instead, they should immediately seek assistance from trained security personnel or management, who are equipped to de-escalate the situation or enforce removal if necessary.

What is a non-verbal cue of intoxication?

Answer: Glazed eyes

Glazed or bloodshot eyes are a common non-verbal cue of intoxication. Alcohol can affect the blood vessels in the eyes, causing them to appear red, and can also impair eye movement and focus, leading to a 'glazed' or unfocused look. This visual sign indicates that a person's physical state is being affected by alcohol.

Which strategy helps prevent intoxication?

Answer: Offer food and slow service

Offering food alongside alcoholic beverages helps to slow down alcohol absorption into the bloodstream, as food in the stomach can reduce the rate at which alcohol is processed. Combined with pacing service (not rushing drinks), this strategy gives patrons' bodies more time to metabolize alcohol, significantly helping to prevent rapid intoxication.

What is one goal of RSA intervention training?

Answer: Identify and manage intoxicated patrons

The primary goal of RSA intervention training is to equip servers with the skills to recognize the signs of intoxication and to effectively manage patrons who are becoming or are already intoxicated. This includes knowing when to slow down or stop service, how to refuse service politely, and how to handle difficult situations, all to ensure patron safety and legal compliance.