Roles & Responsibilities of Servers Flashcards
6 cards from real SMART SERVE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Roles & Responsibilities of Servers flashcards as text
Under Ontario law, who is ultimately responsible for preventing over-service of alcohol?
Answer: The individual server AND the licensed establishment
Both the individual server and the licensed establishment share legal responsibility for preventing over-service. Each can face separate consequences for violations.
What is Smart Serve certification and who needs it?
Answer: A responsible alcohol service training program; all staff who serve, sell, or deliver alcohol in Ontario need it
Smart Serve is Ontario's mandatory responsible service training. Everyone who serves, sells, or delivers alcohol must be certified, including servers, bartenders, hosts who deliver drinks, and delivery drivers.
A server's shift is ending and they want to leave. An intoxicated patron they served is still at the bar. What should they do?
Answer: Brief the incoming server about the patron's intoxication level and consumption before leaving
The outgoing server must communicate the patron's status to the incoming server or manager before leaving. This ensures continuity of responsible monitoring and prevents additional service.
Can a server be personally charged with offences under the Liquor Licence and Control Act?
Answer: Yes — individual servers can face personal charges, fines, and even imprisonment
Individual servers can be personally charged with offences including serving minors and over-service. Penalties can include personal fines up to $100,000 and imprisonment up to one year.
What is a server's responsibility regarding patron transportation?
Answer: Offer safe transportation alternatives and take reasonable steps to prevent impaired driving
While servers can't force patrons to use safe transportation, they should offer alternatives (taxis, ride services, designated drivers) and, if a clearly intoxicated patron insists on driving, notify police.
How should a server respond to pressure from their manager to continue serving an intoxicated patron?
Answer: Refuse — the legal obligation not to over-serve overrides employer instructions
The server's legal obligation to refuse over-service cannot be overridden by employer instructions. A manager who orders continued service is violating the law and exposing both themselves and the server to liability.