SMARTSERVE Safe Transportation and After-Service Care 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the most effective way a server can help ensure an intoxicated patron gets home safely?
- Offer them a glass of water and wish them well
- Arrange or suggest safe transportation such as a taxi, rideshare, or designated driver (Correct answer)
- Ask them to wait in the parking lot until they feel better
- Give them food and encourage them to walk home slowly
Correct answer: Arrange or suggest safe transportation such as a taxi, rideshare, or designated driver
Arranging or facilitating safe transportation is the most effective action a server can take to ensure an intoxicated patron does not harm themselves or others getting home.
Question 2: What is a designated driver (DD) program and how does it support Smart Serve principles?
- A program that pays taxis to be available outside licensed venues
- An arrangement where one member of a group abstains from alcohol to drive others home safely (Correct answer)
- A mobile app that connects drunk patrons with local police
- A service run by the AGCO to transport intoxicated patrons
Correct answer: An arrangement where one member of a group abstains from alcohol to drive others home safely
A designated driver program designates a sober member of a group to drive, which directly reduces impaired driving — a core goal of responsible alcohol service.
Question 3: If no designated driver is available and a patron is intoxicated, what should a server suggest?
- Tell them to walk to the nearest bus stop
- Suggest calling a taxi, rideshare service, or a sober friend or family member to pick them up (Correct answer)
- Allow them to sleep in the establishment until sober
- Ask another patron to drive them home
Correct answer: Suggest calling a taxi, rideshare service, or a sober friend or family member to pick them up
Suggesting a taxi, rideshare, or having a sober contact pick them up provides a practical, safe alternative to impaired driving.
Question 4: A patron's friend offers to drive them home but appears to have also been drinking. What should the server do?
- Allow them to leave since the patron has a ride
- Advise both patrons against driving and suggest an alternative such as a taxi or rideshare (Correct answer)
- Tell the patron to take the bus instead
- Contact the establishment's insurance provider
Correct answer: Advise both patrons against driving and suggest an alternative such as a taxi or rideshare
If both the patron and their intended driver appear intoxicated, the server must advise both against driving and actively suggest an alternative safe transport option.
Question 5: What role can an establishment play in supporting safe transportation for patrons?
- They have no responsibility once service is ended
- Establishments can post taxi numbers, partner with rideshare services, and train staff to facilitate safe departures (Correct answer)
- Establishments should only intervene if asked by the patron
- Establishments can only legally direct patrons to the nearest transit stop
Correct answer: Establishments can post taxi numbers, partner with rideshare services, and train staff to facilitate safe departures
Establishments can take proactive measures — posting transport information, partnering with rideshares, and training staff — to reduce the risk of patrons driving while impaired.
Question 6: Why should a server never physically force an intoxicated patron out of an establishment?
- It violates the establishment's noise policy
- Physical force could injure the patron, expose the establishment to assault liability, and escalate the situation dangerously (Correct answer)
- It is only permitted by licensed security staff
- It may cause the patron to feel unwelcome and never return
Correct answer: Physical force could injure the patron, expose the establishment to assault liability, and escalate the situation dangerously
Using physical force carries significant risks including injury to the patron, assault liability for staff, and dangerous escalation; verbal de-escalation and professional support are always preferred.
SMARTSERVE Safe Transportation and After-Service Care 1
What is the most effective way a server can help ensure an intoxicated patron gets home safely?