TIPS Recognizing Signs of Intoxication

Question 1

Under TIPS training, at what point should a server begin assessing a patron for signs of intoxication?

Accepted Answer

From the moment of first contact and continuously throughout service

Answer

Only after the patron has had three or more drinks

Answer

Only when another patron or staff member raises a concern

Answer

Only when the patron begins to show obvious signs of impairment

Question 2

Which of the following is a PRIMARY physical sign of alcohol intoxication that TIPS trains servers to observe?

Accepted Answer

Slurred speech, glassy or bloodshot eyes, and flushed face

Answer

Unusually fast speech and rapid eye movements

Answer

Pale skin, clammy hands, and dilated pupils

Answer

Excessive yawning and slow blinking

Question 3

A patron who was calm 30 minutes ago is now speaking very loudly, laughing at nothing, and spilling their drink. According to TIPS training, these are examples of which category of intoxication signs?

Accepted Answer

Behavioral signs of intoxication

Answer

Physical signs of intoxication

Answer

Medical emergency indicators

Answer

Signs of drug interaction, not alcohol

Question 4

A patron is sitting quietly and not drawing any attention, but when they stand to use the restroom, they grab the edge of the table to steady themselves and take uneven steps. How should a TIPS-trained server interpret this?

Accepted Answer

A potential sign of intoxication warranting closer monitoring and possible service refusal

Answer

No concern — some people naturally have poor balance

Answer

A medical issue unrelated to alcohol that is not the server's concern

Answer

Normal behavior after sitting for a long period

Question 5

According to TIPS training, which scenario BEST illustrates the difference between someone who entered the establishment already intoxicated versus someone who became intoxicated during service?

Accepted Answer

A patron who shows slurred speech on arrival entered intoxicated; a patron whose behavior deteriorated after their second drink became intoxicated on-premise

Answer

A patron who enters walking steadily but is argumentative shows prior intoxication; a patron who slurs speech after two drinks shows on-premise intoxication

Answer

There is no meaningful distinction — servers are only responsible for drinks served at their establishment

Answer

Any patron showing intoxication signs is always considered to have become intoxicated at the current venue

Question 6

Which combination of signs would indicate to a TIPS-trained server that a patron may be approaching a state requiring immediate service refusal?

Accepted Answer

Slurred speech, difficulty maintaining balance, and increasingly argumentative behavior

Answer

Ordering a second drink quickly and talking with friends loudly

Answer

Appearing tired, checking their phone frequently, and eating slowly

Answer

Ordering water alongside their drink and asking for a food menu