Get your ServSafe Alcohol certification with this study guide. Learn about responsible alcohol service, checking identification, recognizing signs of intoxication, and preventing liability issues.
Q: T/F You may be charged with a crime simply for serving a guest who appears to be intoxicated.
Answer: True
Q: T/F It is illegal to serve alcohol to a pregnant woman.
Answer: False
Q: T/F Dram shop laws protect the server from being sued in the event that an intoxicated guest injures another individual.
Answer: False
Q: T/F The state liquor authority can suspend an establishment’s liquor license for allowing a minor to enter the establishment with a fake ID.
Answer: True
Q: T/F All guests must be 21 years old to purchase alcohol.
Answer: True
Q: What is the difference between Criminal Law and Civil Law?
Answer: Criminal Law – May face criminal charges if you break state, county, or municipal alcohol laws. (Criminal court)Civil Law – Can be sued to pay damages to an injured guest if you contributed to the guest’s injury or did nothing to prevent it. (Civil court)
Q: Dram Shop Laws
Answer: – Allow a third party to sue for injuries caused by a guest who was drinking there.- Allow third parties to sue business, employees, etc.- Provide limits on money damages that can be awarded to third parties.
Q: What are the three types of damages awarded?
Answer: Actual DamagesCompensatory DamagesPunitive Damages
Q: How old do you need to be to purchase alcohol in all 50 states?
Answer: 21 years old
Q: Who is alcohol authority?
Answer: State or municipal agency that enforces alcohol regulations and licensing laws.- Often called ABC (Alcohol Beverage Control)
Q: When are you allowed to serve alcohol?
Answer: 9AM – 2AM
Q: How old do you have to be to serve alcohol?
Answer: 18 Years Old
Q: State or municipal liquor authorities can issue citations fora) drunk drivingb) serving a pregnant womanc) serving alcohol to a minord) fighting in the establishment
Answer: C
Q: Which is a role of the liquor authority?a) issue liquor licensesb) initiate law suits against drunk driversc) issue citations to minors for presenting fake IDsd) initiate criminal charges against establishments who serve minors
Answer: A
Q: Which is a criminal violation related to the sale and service of alcohol?a) serving alcohol to a minorb) failing to fill out an incident reportc) firing a server who over-served a guestd) refusing to serve a guest who arrived intoxicated
Answer: A
Q: Which situation best describes dram shop liability?a) a manager is fined for allowing the sale of drugs on the premisesb) a server is fined by the liquor authority for serving alcohol to a minorc) a bartender is given jail time for serving a guest who appeared intoxicatedd) a person sues the bartender who served the intoxicated guest who injured him
Answer: D
Q: Which is a possible consequence for violating the liquor code?a) jail timeb) probationc) misdemeanord) liquor – license suspension
Answer: D
Q: List three alcohol-law violations that most states will hold you criminally liable for.
Answer: 1. Serving alcohol to a minor2. Serving a guest who is or appears to be intoxicated3. Possessing, selling, or allowing the sale of drugs on the premises
Q: T/F Drink for drink, a lean guest will have a higher BAC than a guest with a large amount of body fat.
Answer: False
Q: T/F A 12-ounce beer contains less alcohol than 1 1/2 ounces of 80-proof vodka.
Answer: False
Q: T/F The liver can break down alcohol at the rate of two drinks per hour.
Answer: False
Q: T/F Carbohydrates are the best type of food to serve with alcohol to help prevent intoxication.
Answer: False
Q: T/F A guest who switches to larger or stronger drinks may be intoxicated.
Answer: True
Q: Where is alcohol absorbed into the bloodstream? How long it takes to absorb alcohol?
Answer: The small intestine; the Liver is responsible for breaking down alcohol at a rate of one drink per hour.
Q: What is the BAC?
Answer: Blood Alcohol Content; Amount of alcohol that has been absorbed into the bloodstream. It is stated as a percentage.
Q: How does alcohol effect a person?
Answer: The smaller you are, the higher the BAC.Larger percentage of body fat will have a higher BAC.A woman will have a higher BAC than a man because we have a small amount of the stomach enzyme.The more alcohol in the drink, the higher the BAC.The older you are, the higher the BAC (senior citizen)Carbonation can speed the rate of BACSomeone who has not ate will have a higher BAC
Q: What are the physical signs of intoxication?
Answer: – Relaxed Inhibitions (overly friendly, being loud, bad languages)- Impaired Judgement (complain about the strength of the drink, drink faster or switch to stronger drinks, carless with money)- Slowed Reaction Time (Talk or move slowly, drowsy, can’t concentrate, glassy eyed)- Impaired Motor Coordination (stagger, stumble, fall, spilling drinks, slurring)
Q: Proof and Percentage of Alcohol
Answer: 100 – Proof Whiskey = 50% alcohol (100/2)80 – Proof Vodka = 40% alcohol (80/2)
Q: Drink Equivalency
Answer: 1 serving size =- 5 ounces of wine- 12 ounces of beer- 1 1/2 ounces of 80 – proof liquor- 1 ounce of 100 – proof liquor
Q: How to prevent guests from becoming intoxicated
Answer: – Count drinks- Have every employee give imput
Q: Estimate BAC:160 – pound man who drank five 12 ounce beers in one hour
Answer: This man had 5 drinks, since a 12 ounce beer is considered one drink. His approximate BAC would be .101.
Q: Estimate BAC:100 pound woman who drank three 5 ounce glasses of wine in one hour
Answer: This woman has had three drinks, since a five ounce glass of wine is considered one drink. Her approximate BAC is .119
Q: Estimate BAC:180 pound woman who drank three mixed drinks, each containing 1 1/2 ounces of 80 proof vodka in one hour
Answer: This woman has had three drinks, since 1 1/2 ounces of 80 proof liquor is considered one drink. Her approximate BAC is .059
Q: Estimate BAC:240 pound man who drank five shots (five ounces) of 100 proof bourbon in one hour
Answer: This man actually had five drinks, since each 100 proof shot is considered one drink. His approximate BAC would be .062.
Q: Count the drinks:60 ounce pitcher of beer
Answer: 5
Q: Count the drinks:3 ounces of 80 proof vodka on the rocks
Answer: 2
Q: Count the drinks:2 ounces of 100 proof whiskey
Answer: 2
Q: Count the drinks:15 ounce carafe of wine
Answer: 3
Q: Count the drinks:12 ounce beer and a shot of 100 proof whiskey
Answer: 2
Q: Which food items are best for preventing intoxication? (more than one answer)-Bread-Pizza-Potato Chips-Cheese Sticks-Chili-Onion Rings-Pretzels-Peanuts-Fried Calamari-Chicken Wings
Answer: PizzaCheese SticksChiliFried CalamariChicken WingsYou want protein food
Q: Most of the alcohol a person drinks is absorbed into the bloodstream from thea) lungsb) mouthc) small intestined) liver
Answer: C
Q: The liver can break down alcohol at the rate of ___ drinks per houra) 1b) 2c) 3d) 4
Answer: A
Q: A guest has consumed three 12 ounce beers in an hour. How many drinks have built up in the guest’s bloodstream?a) 0b) 1c) 2d) 3
Answer: C
Q: Assuming that the people involved weigh the same and have consumed the same number of drinks, which is true?a) A man will have a higher BAC than a womanb) A lean man will have a higher BAC than a man with a large amount of body fatc) A woman who has eaten will have a higher BAC than a woman who has notd) A man drinking gin and tonic will have a higher BAC than a man drinking vodka and cranberry juice.
Answer: D
Q: Which can be counted as one drink?a) 20 ounce beerb) 6 ounce glass of winec) 2 ounces of 80 proof liquord) 1 ounce of 100 proof liquor
Answer: D
Q: A vodka on the rocks containing 3 ounces of 80 proof vodka should be counted as ___ drink(s).a) 1b) 2c) 3d) 4
Answer: B
Q: Which behavior is a sign that a guest is experiencing impaired motor coordination?a) becoming drowsyb) swayingc) making rude commentsd) having trouble concentrating
Answer: B
Q: Which behavior is a sign that a guest is experiencing relaxed inhibitions?a) becoming loudb) slurring speechc) having difficulty making eye contactd) drinking faster and switching to stronger drinks
Answer: A
Q: What is the best type of food to help prevent intoxication?a) salty foodb) carbohydratesc) sugarsd) fatty food
Answer: D
Q: Which action can help prevent a guest from becoming intoxicated?a) serving one drink at a timeb) offering bread or other carbohydratesc) over pouring drinksd) offering a guest approaching intoxication a beer instead of a martini
Answer: A
Q: T/F A birth certificate is an acceptable form of ID.
Answer: False
Q: T/F An ID must have a state seal to be valid.
Answer: False
Q: T/F An ID with split lamination is not valid.
Answer: True
Q: T/F IDs containing the words “Official”, “Authentic”, or “Secure” are not genuine.
Answer: True
Q: T/F A guest who appears nervous while you are reviewing his or her ID may be a minor.
Answer: True
Q: Types of Legal ID’s
Answer: Drivers LicensePassportMilitary IDState ID card
Q: Types of Illegal ID’s
Answer: Birth CertificateSchool IDVoter’s Registration Card
Q: List the five features of a valid ID.
Answer: Must contain the owner’s birth dateMust be currentMust contain the owner’s photoMust be intactMust contain the owner’s signature
Q: How do you determine that an ID is real with an ID reader?
Answer: Compare the readout with the information displayed on the actual ID.Check magnetic stripes for signs of tampering.
Q: How do you deal with a fake ID?
Answer: – Refuse Service- Refuse entry to your establishment- Confiscate the ID
Q: It is December 15, 2009: To serve or not?Guest born on September 19, 1987
Answer: Serve
Q: It is December 15, 2009: To serve or not?Guest born on March 13, 1988
Answer: Serve
Q: It is December 15, 2009: To serve or not?Guest born on December 25, 1988
Answer: Not serve
Q: It is December 15, 2009: To serve or not?Guest born on October 15, 1989
Answer: Not serve
Q: It is December 15, 2009: To serve or not?Guest born on December 15, 1990
Answer: Not serve
Q: What are the characteristics of a genuine ID?
Answer: Optical Variable DevicesUV FeaturesHologramsMicroprintingGhost PhotosLicense NumberProper PhotoLamination
Q: Which form of ID is acceptable for verifying a guest’s age?a) School IDb) Passportc) Birth Certificated) Voter Registration Card
Answer: B
Q: Which feature is an indication that an ID is valid?a) A birth dateb) Pictures of “locks”c) The word “authentic”d) A photo with raised edges
Answer: A
Q: Which feature is used by states to indicate that an ID belongs to a minor?a) Placing the words “secure”, “genuine”, or “valid” on the IDb) Issuing the ID in a vertical formc) Removing the minor’s signature from the IDd) Placing pictures of “keys” on the ID
Answer: B
Q: Which is a good reason to reject an ID?a) It has a bar code on itb) A state seal can be seen under ultraviolet (UV) lightc) There is a ghost photo on the IDd) The back of the ID is blank
Answer: D
Q: What should you do to verify that an ID belongs to the guest?a) Check for splits in the laminationb) Verify that the state seal is in the proper locationc) Compare the guest to the physical characteristics listed on the IDd) Check the license number to see if the coding matches the personal information
Answer: C
Q: Today is March 8, 2009. Based on these birth dates, which guest is old enough to drink?a) March 7, 1988b) March 9, 1988c) April 10, 1988d) November 1, 1988
Answer: A
Q: T/F When stopping alcohol service to a guest, the backup person should stand as close to the guest as possible.
Answer: False
Q: T/F Using statements such as, “You’ve had enough,” when stopping service will deflect blame from you and defuse the situation.
Answer: False
Q: T/F You should call the police if an intoxicated guest insists on driving away from the establishment.
Answer: True
Q: T/F Guests can be served to the point of intoxication if they are traveling with a designated driver.
Answer: False
Q: T/F You should physically restrain a violent guest so he or she does not cause injury.
Answer: False
Q: When stopping service to a guest, you should:
Answer: – Alert a backup- Enlist the help of other guests (if possible)- Wait until the guest orders the next round before stopping service- Tell the guest you are stopping service- Offer nonalcoholic alternatives
Q: When handling guests attempting to leave the premises, you should:
Answer: – Try to convince the guest not to drive- Ask for the guest’s keys- Arrange alternate transportation
Q: When dealing with guest who arrive intoxicated, you should:
Answer: – Try to refuse entry- Make sure the guests are not served with alcohol if they enter the establishment- Ask the guest for their keys- If the guests have agreed not to drive, find alternate transportation
Q: Follow these steps when working with a designated driver:
Answer: – Encourage the person not to drink alcohol- If the person starts drinking, watch him or her like you would any other guest- If the person does not drink, follow your company policy regarding the service of free items
Q: To prevent injuries when handling potentially violent situations, you should:
Answer: – Notify your manager- Call the police- Separate guests from the situation
Q: Incident reports should be completed when:
Answer: – Alcohol service has been stopped to a guest- Alternate transportation has been arranged for a guest- A guest’s ID has been confiscated- An illegal activity or violent situation has occurred- A guest has become ill
Q: When stopping service to a guest, you shoulda) tell the guest that he or she has had enoughb) ask the guest’s companion to help you stop servicec) have a backup person stand next to you as you tell the guestd) give the guest another drink if it will prevent a confrontation
Answer: B
Q: Which statement should be avoided when stopping service to a guest?a) “You’ve had enough”b) “I just want to make sure you get home OK”c) “It’s against the law for me to serve you any more alcohol”d) “Our company policy does not allow me to serve you any more alcohol”
Answer: A
Q: To prevent an intoxicated guest from driving, you shoulda) Have the guest’s car towedb) Warn the guest that you will call the policec) Physically stop the guest from getting into the card) Physically stop the guest from leaving the establishment
Answer: B
Q: If a guest is intoxicated when arriving at the establishment,a) Ask the guest to leaveb) Physically restrain the guestc) Forcibly take the guests car keysd) Refuse entry to the establishment
Answer: D
Q: Which statement about designated drivers is true?a) Over serving a guest who came with a designated driver is illegalb) A server is not liable for over seeing guests with a designated driverc) Establishments are not liable for over serving guests with a designated driverd) A guest can be allowed to become intoxicated if accompanied by a designated driver
Answer: A
Q: If a fight occurs, you shoulda) Separate other guests from the situationb) Wait and see if the situation resolves itselfc) Stand between the guests who are fightingd) Try to physically restrain the guests who are fighting
Answer: A
Q: Which situation requires you to fill out an incident report?a) A guest stumbles when getting out of his chairb) A guest complains about the strength of his first drinkc) A guest has presented a fake ID, which was confiscatedd) A guest is rude to a server after waiting too long for a drink
Answer: C
Q: You have decided to stop alcohol service to a group of guests, but your manager has told you to continue serving them. You should:a) Serve the guestsb) Ask the manager to serve the guestsc) Tell the guests to leave immediatelyd) Express your concern but serve the guests anyway
Answer: B
Q: When handling a fight, when should you call the police?a) After separating the guests who are fightingb) After calming down the guests who are fightingc) After physically restraining the guests who are fightingd) As soon as your safety or the safety of guests is at risk
Answer: D
Q: You witness a drug transaction on the premises. You should:a) Call the policeb) Ignore the situation to prevent a possible confrontationc) Do nothing if the transaction occurred outside the buildingd) Warn the offenders that you are going to inform your manager
Answer: A