SIR Responsible Service Strategies 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the role of a designated driver program in responsible service?
- It eliminates the need for monitoring intoxication
- It encourages groups to identify a sober driver and supports them with free non-alcoholic beverages (Correct answer)
- It requires every group to have a designated driver
- It replaces the need for taxis
Correct answer: It encourages groups to identify a sober driver and supports them with free non-alcoholic beverages
Designated driver programs encourage groups to identify a non-drinking member who will drive everyone home safely. Establishments often support designated drivers with free non-alcoholic beverages.
Question 2: Why should servers avoid serving 'doubles' or oversized drinks?
- They are more expensive for the patron
- They increase the amount of alcohol consumed per sitting, making it harder to pace and monitor intake (Correct answer)
- They take longer to prepare
- They waste alcohol
Correct answer: They increase the amount of alcohol consumed per sitting, making it harder to pace and monitor intake
Doubles and oversized drinks deliver more alcohol per serving, making it harder for servers to track consumption and for patrons to pace themselves. This increases the risk of intoxication.
Question 3: What should a server do if they suspect a patron is about to drive while impaired?
- Nothing, it is the patron's responsibility
- Offer alternative transportation options such as a taxi, rideshare, or suggest they call someone for a ride (Correct answer)
- Confiscate their car keys
- Lock the exit doors
Correct answer: Offer alternative transportation options such as a taxi, rideshare, or suggest they call someone for a ride
Servers should proactively offer alternative transportation options such as calling a taxi, arranging a rideshare, or suggesting the patron call a friend or family member for a ride home.
Question 4: What is 'upselling' in the context of responsible service and why can it be problematic?
- Recommending premium brands, which is always fine
- Encouraging patrons to buy larger or additional alcoholic drinks, which can contribute to overconsumption (Correct answer)
- Selling food alongside drinks
- Offering non-alcoholic options
Correct answer: Encouraging patrons to buy larger or additional alcoholic drinks, which can contribute to overconsumption
Upselling that encourages patrons to consume more alcohol (such as suggesting doubles, pitchers, or additional rounds) can contribute to overconsumption and conflicts with responsible service principles.
Question 5: How can the physical layout of an establishment support responsible service?
- By hiding the bar from view
- By ensuring good lighting, clear sightlines for staff to monitor patrons, and providing comfortable seating for food service (Correct answer)
- By making the bar as large as possible
- By having no seating so patrons leave quickly
Correct answer: By ensuring good lighting, clear sightlines for staff to monitor patrons, and providing comfortable seating for food service
Good establishment design supports responsible service through adequate lighting for monitoring, clear sightlines so staff can observe patrons, comfortable seating that encourages dining, and well-organized service areas.
Question 6: What is the 'two-drink maximum' policy and when might it be applied?
- A permanent rule for all establishments
- A limit on the number of drinks served to a patron at one time, often used at events to slow consumption (Correct answer)
- A rule that patrons must order exactly two drinks
- A policy requiring two drink sizes on the menu
Correct answer: A limit on the number of drinks served to a patron at one time, often used at events to slow consumption
The two-drink maximum limits the number of alcoholic drinks served to a patron at one time (preventing stacking) and is commonly used at special events or high-volume situations to help manage consumption rates.
SIR Responsible Service Strategies 2
What is the role of a designated driver program in responsible service?