Harm Minimisation Strategies Flashcards

A key harm minimisation strategy for a licensed venue is to actively promote alternatives to alcoholic drinks. Which of the following is the BEST example of this principle in action?

Answer: Actively suggesting and visibly promoting a range of attractive non-alcoholic cocktails and beverages.

Effective harm minimisation involves making non-alcoholic options appealing and easily accessible, not just available. Actively promoting and suggesting these alternatives encourages patrons to moderate their alcohol consumption by choosing an appealing substitute. Charging more for alcohol can be a strategy, but simply promoting attractive alternatives is a more direct and positive approach to harm minimisation.

A patron who is not showing clear signs of intoxication asks for a round of shots for their table. Which of the following is the most appropriate harm minimisation response?

Answer: Politely explain the venue's policy on shots and suggest an alternative, such as mixed drinks or beers, to pace consumption.

Serving multiple shots encourages rapid consumption of alcohol, which is a high-risk activity. A key harm minimisation strategy is to manage the way alcohol is consumed. Politely explaining a house policy and suggesting alternatives allows the server to control the situation, discourage risky drinking patterns, and educate the patron without being unnecessarily confrontational, especially as the patron is not yet intoxicated.

Which of the following is a fundamental component of a venue's harm minimisation plan?

Answer: A documented plan for how staff will manage intoxicated patrons and promote safe transport options.

A harm minimisation plan must detail the practical strategies the venue will use to minimise alcohol-related harm. This includes clear procedures for staff to follow when dealing with intoxicated patrons and proactive measures like promoting safe transport options to ensure patrons get home safely.

A group of friends has been at your venue for several hours. One member of the group, who is the designated driver, has been drinking only water. As a harm minimisation strategy, what is an appropriate action for the venue staff to take?

Answer: Offer the designated driver complimentary soft drinks or coffee throughout their visit.

Supporting and incentivising designated drivers is a well-recognised harm minimisation strategy. By offering complimentary non-alcoholic drinks, the venue encourages responsible choices, promotes a safe way home for the entire group, and creates a positive and safe environment.

Which of the following is NOT considered a primary harm minimisation strategy for a licensed venue?

Answer: Implementing a policy to eject any patron upon their first minor sign of intoxication.

While refusing service to intoxicated patrons is mandatory, ejecting them at the very first minor sign is an extreme approach and not the primary strategy. Harm minimisation focuses on a graduated response: slowing service, offering food and water, and managing the patron's consumption before refusal of service becomes necessary. Ejection is a last resort. The other options are all core harm minimisation strategies.

From a harm minimisation perspective, what is the primary reason for a venue to promote and serve food to patrons who are drinking alcohol?

Answer: To slow the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream, thereby lowering the rate of intoxication.

Eating food before or while drinking alcohol helps to slow down the rate at which alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream. This is a critical harm minimisation strategy as it helps prevent patrons from becoming intoxicated too quickly and allows them and the staff to better manage their consumption over time.