RSA Alcohol Laws & Server Responsibilities 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patron claims they are drinking on behalf of a designated driver and wants extra drinks. How should a server respond?
- Allow extra drinks since the DD is not drinking
- Refuse extra service if the patron is showing signs of intoxication (Correct answer)
- Confirm with the DD directly before serving more
- Serve up to double the normal limit as a courtesy
Correct answer: Refuse extra service if the patron is showing signs of intoxication
Regardless of designated driver arrangements, a server must refuse service to a patron who shows signs of intoxication — the DD scenario does not override this duty.
Question 2: Which federal agency is responsible for enforcing federal alcohol laws and regulations at the national level?
- The DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration)
- The TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) (Correct answer)
- The FDA (Food and Drug Administration)
- The FTC (Federal Trade Commission)
Correct answer: The TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau)
The TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) is the federal agency that administers and enforces federal laws covering the production, labeling, and distribution of alcohol.
Question 3: An underage customer uses a fake ID and is served alcohol. Who can face legal consequences?
- Only the underage customer
- Only the manager on duty
- The server, the establishment, and potentially the customer (Correct answer)
- Only the establishment's owner
Correct answer: The server, the establishment, and potentially the customer
In most states, the server, the establishment, and the minor who used false identification can all face criminal or civil penalties.
Question 4: What is 'social host liability'?
- A policy requiring hosts to provide non-alcoholic beverages
- Legal responsibility imposed on private individuals who provide alcohol to guests who then cause harm (Correct answer)
- A server's duty to greet intoxicated guests warmly
- A liquor board rule about party permits
Correct answer: Legal responsibility imposed on private individuals who provide alcohol to guests who then cause harm
Social host liability laws hold private individuals legally responsible for harm caused by guests to whom they served alcohol, similar to dram shop liability for businesses.
Question 5: A pregnant woman orders wine at your table. What is the correct server response under RSA standards?
- Refuse service — it is illegal to serve pregnant women alcohol
- Serve her — it is legal, but you may inform her of health advisories if done respectfully (Correct answer)
- Ask for a doctor's note before serving
- Serve only one glass and cut her off after that
Correct answer: Serve her — it is legal, but you may inform her of health advisories if done respectfully
It is generally legal to serve alcohol to a pregnant woman, though servers may diplomatically note health warnings; refusing based solely on pregnancy can raise discrimination concerns.
Question 6: Which behavior BEST demonstrates a server actively practicing responsible alcohol service?
- Offering free appetizers with every alcoholic drink
- Tracking the number and timing of drinks served to each guest (Correct answer)
- Asking guests to prepay for drinks to slow consumption
- Limiting table service to one server per section
Correct answer: Tracking the number and timing of drinks served to each guest
Actively monitoring the count and pacing of drinks for each guest allows a server to identify early signs of over-service and intervene before intoxication becomes apparent.
Question 7: In most U.S. states, what is the standard 'look-back period' a server should use when accepting an ID?
- The ID must show the bearer is currently 21 or older (Correct answer)
- The ID must show the bearer turned 21 within the last 30 days
- The ID must have been issued in the same state as the establishment
- The ID must be less than 2 years old to be considered valid
Correct answer: The ID must show the bearer is currently 21 or older
Servers must verify that the ID shows the bearer is at least 21 years of age at the time of service — there is no look-back window; the current age is what matters.
RSA Alcohol Laws & Server Responsibilities 3
A patron claims they are drinking on behalf of a designated driver and wants extra drinks.
How should a server respond?