Recognizing Signs of Intoxication Flashcards

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

Answer: Slurred speech, glassy or bloodshot eyes, and flushed face

Slurred speech, glassy or bloodshot eyes, and a flushed face are classic physical signs of alcohol intoxication. TIPS trains servers to scan for these observable cues to assess a patron's level of impairment before and during service.

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?

Answer: Behavioral signs of intoxication

Behavioral changes — such as increased volume, inappropriate laughter, and loss of fine motor control — are behavioral signs of intoxication. TIPS teaches servers to monitor both physical and behavioral cues, as behavioral changes are often the earliest and most observable indicators.

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

Answer: From the moment of first contact and continuously throughout service

TIPS trains servers to establish a baseline observation from the moment a patron arrives and to reassess continuously. Waiting for obvious signs means intoxication has already progressed to a risky level. Early, ongoing assessment allows for timely intervention.

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?

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

Loss of physical coordination and balance — particularly when standing or walking — is a direct sign of alcohol's effect on the cerebellum. TIPS trains servers to observe patrons during movement, not just while seated, because impairment is often more apparent when the patron is physically active.

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?

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

TIPS specifically trains servers to establish a baseline observation at arrival. A patron displaying impairment signs before any drinks are served likely entered already intoxicated. This distinction matters both for legal liability and for the appropriate intervention — the server should refuse service in both cases, but the response and documentation may differ.

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

Answer: Slurred speech, difficulty maintaining balance, and increasingly argumentative behavior

The combination of slurred speech (central nervous system impairment), balance difficulty (motor impairment), and argumentative behavior (judgment and behavioral impairment) across multiple sign categories signals significant intoxication. TIPS trains servers to look for multiple concurrent signs, as clusters of cues are a much stronger indicator than a single sign in isolation.