I have been in the restaurant industry since I was sixteen and joined the insurance industry in my twenties. I began as a server at a diner, then at a country club, and now work as a server and bartender at a fast-paced tourist destination. At eighteen, I was working as a server who knew nothing about alcohol and was unsure what “signs of intoxication” meant.
It was a different time, and I worked at a place where signs of intoxication were not even discussed. If someone was acting silly or loud or flirty, that was a sign they were having fun and would tip more. I never really thought of it as dangerous or irresponsible on my part. I just needed to make the most money to pay my bills.
Fast forward about twenty years, and it’s easy to see that my viewpoint has changed. My insurance career has given me a front row seat to how dangerous drinking heavily can be when mixed with driving or even just walking down a few steps. I’m also more financially stable and less concerned about maximizing tips.
Through my experience in the industry, I have seen, firsthand, how important it is for staff to be properly trained on their responsibility to patrons and the law.
Having policies and procedures in place on safe selling and serving of alcohol is key to protecting your business.
Staff needs to be trained on how to identify proper age, recognize the signs of intoxication, and effectively cut off or deny service when necessary. They should know the number of beverages or ounces that can be consumed legally, as well as the documentation procedures when an incident occurs.
Another thing to consider is whether there are outside sources that may affect the server’s decisions. Are they being paid the proper wage? Are their tip percentages industry standard or above? If a staff member is struggling financially, are there resources available for assistance?
Even someone with strong values can be affected by financial hardship. This can bring about unintentional overservice of alcohol when an employee is only trying to keep the customer happy in hopes of higher tips and likeability for themselves and their place of employment.
ICC offers in-person, online, and live virtual alcohol server classes through our safety education partner, Katkin. The training offered is dynamic in nature to educate staff on safe selling and serving.
For more information, reach out to info@katkinco.com or visit www.katkinco.com. If you’re an ICC policyholder, ask them about the discounts available on this and all of their courses.
