Smart Serve Safe and Legal Practices 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under Ontario law, can a patron bring their own alcohol into a licensed establishment?
- Yes, if they pay a corkage fee
- No — BYOB is not permitted in licensed establishments unless specifically authorized (Correct answer)
- Yes, for wine only
- Yes, on weekends only
Correct answer: No — BYOB is not permitted in licensed establishments unless specifically authorized
Bringing outside alcohol into a licensed establishment is generally prohibited under Ontario's liquor laws. Only specifically authorized exceptions (like some BYOB restaurants with appropriate licences) are permitted.
Question 2: What are a licensed establishment's obligations regarding fire safety and patron capacity?
- No specific obligations beyond serving alcohol
- Must comply with fire code occupancy limits and ensure safe egress at all times (Correct answer)
- Only restaurants need to worry about capacity
- Capacity limits only apply to nightclubs
Correct answer: Must comply with fire code occupancy limits and ensure safe egress at all times
All licensed establishments must comply with fire code requirements including maximum occupancy limits, clear emergency exits, and adequate safety equipment. Overcrowding creates safety hazards.
Question 3: Is it legal for a server in Ontario to consume alcohol during their shift?
- Yes, one drink per shift is allowed
- No — staff may not consume alcohol while on duty (Correct answer)
- Yes, if the manager approves
- Only after 10 PM
Correct answer: No — staff may not consume alcohol while on duty
Staff at licensed establishments must not consume alcohol while on duty. Impaired staff cannot properly monitor patrons, assess intoxication, or respond to emergencies.
Question 4: What is the legal requirement for advertising drink specials in Ontario?
- No regulations exist for advertising
- Promotions cannot encourage immoderate consumption; specific rules govern pricing and advertising (Correct answer)
- Any promotion is legal if it increases sales
- Only TV advertising is regulated
Correct answer: Promotions cannot encourage immoderate consumption; specific rules govern pricing and advertising
Ontario regulates alcohol promotions to prevent encouraging excessive consumption. Restrictions include minimum pricing, prohibitions on volume-based discounts, and requirements for responsible messaging.
Question 5: A patron asks a server to make their drinks 'extra strong.' What should the server do?
- Comply with the request for better tips
- Pour standard measured amounts — over-pouring increases intoxication risk and may violate licence conditions (Correct answer)
- Add extra alcohol but charge more
- Let the bartender decide
Correct answer: Pour standard measured amounts — over-pouring increases intoxication risk and may violate licence conditions
Servers should pour standard, measured amounts for every drink. Over-pouring accelerates intoxication, wastes inventory, and may violate the establishment's licence conditions regarding standard servings.
Question 6: What signage is required at licensed establishments in Ontario?
- No signage requirements exist
- Signs indicating legal drinking age, prohibition of service to intoxicated persons, and other AGCO-required notices (Correct answer)
- Only 'No Smoking' signs
- Only the liquor licence must be posted
Correct answer: Signs indicating legal drinking age, prohibition of service to intoxicated persons, and other AGCO-required notices
Ontario requires several types of signage at licensed establishments, including the liquor licence, legal drinking age notices, impaired driving warnings, and other AGCO-mandated information.
Smart Serve Safe and Legal Practices 2
Under Ontario law, can a patron bring their own alcohol into a licensed establishment?