From HO-HO-HO to NO-NO-NO

Ensure Responsible Alcohol Serving Practices This Holiday Season

Tis the season for holiday parties and lots of “cheer.” And while alcoholic beverages drive a lot of revenue to your restaurant, they also come with a huge responsibility.

Under the Texas Dram Shop Act, it is against the law for bars, restaurants, liquor stores, etc., to serve alcohol to anyone who is obviously intoxicated to the extent that they present a clear danger to themselves and others. You can face fines, penalties, lawsuits, and significant financial damages if your restaurant is found liable. This could also extend to your employees.

So, how do you tell your guests they’ve had too much to drink? The best way to ensure responsible alcohol-serving practices is to establish a clear and consistent policy that applies to all guests and that all employees follow and enforce.

As an owner and operator, you are responsible for educating your staff on the responsibilities, requirements and best practices of safe (alcohol) serving.

Now would be a great time to establish a new policy, or update and remind your employees about your current policy. Here are some best practices to help get you started:

1.    Refusing service – this involves refusing service to someone who is intoxicated and attempts to enter your establishment. While this can make for an awkward moment at the host stand, it may likely remove your liability from any harm that person might cause as a result of their intoxication. Make sure your entire team is aware of the situation—don’t leave this duty only to your friendly hosts. If you are unable to prevent the person from entering, make sure they know that no one on your team will be allowed to serve them alcohol. Hopefully, this will cause the person to leave before escalating the situation and the need for law enforcement.

2.    Stopping service – remember, it is against the law to serve alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated. That includes your regulars and even the guest who promises your bartender an exorbitant tip. Before alerting your guest, it’s best to make your team aware of the situation and ask for help or backup if needed. If the intoxicated person is with another guest, you might speak with them first as the news might be better received from family or a friend. Another way to soften the blow is to offer complimentary food and non-alcoholic alternatives such as a holiday mocktail.

As you train your team on safe-serving practices, remind them of the liability they could face as an individual, as well as the obvious consequence—if your restaurant gets shut down or you’re no longer able to operate, they lose their job. A clear policy that your team enforces equally will ensure your guests have a safe and enjoyable evening, and you and your team have a successful holiday season.

For more information, check out this guide from ServSafe’s SERVE IT UP.