Safe Serving Practices & Alcohol Effects on the Body Flashcards

At approximately what Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) does the average person begin to lose muscle coordination?

Answer: 0.05%

At around 0.05% BAC, balance and fine motor control begin to deteriorate noticeably.

A guest orders their fourth drink in 90 minutes and appears steady on their feet. What is the most responsible server action?

Answer: Slow service by offering water and food first

Offering food and water slows absorption and gives you time to reassess without an abrupt refusal.

Which organ is primarily responsible for metabolizing alcohol in the body?

Answer: Liver

The liver breaks down roughly one standard drink per hour through enzymatic oxidation.

How does carbonation in drinks like champagne or soda mixers affect alcohol absorption?

Answer: It speeds absorption by relaxing the pyloric valve

Carbonation causes the pyloric valve to open faster, allowing alcohol to pass into the small intestine more quickly.

A female guest and a male guest of equal weight consume the same number of drinks. Why might the female reach a higher BAC?

Answer: Women generally have a higher percentage of body fat and lower water content, concentrating alcohol

Women typically have less body water per pound than men, so the same amount of alcohol becomes more concentrated in their blood.

Which of the following is a reliable field sign that a guest's BAC may be approaching 0.08% or higher?

Answer: Slurred speech and difficulty finding words

Slurred speech is a classic sign of central nervous system depression consistent with BAC levels at or above the legal limit.

What is the best way to slow a patron's alcohol absorption while they are still at your establishment?

Answer: Provide free high-fat, high-protein food

High-fat and high-protein foods slow gastric emptying, which significantly delays alcohol entering the bloodstream.