As summer approaches and patios open at restaurants, bar drinks are selling like wildfire.
Drink specials, happy hours, and summer events are calling people to enjoy the weather while letting their hair down for an evening. With these fun filled summer nights comes the increase in alcohol check-points and a refresher course to servers on restaurant drinking policies.
As a Max & Erma’s server I was required to attend a training course on alcohol policies that are strictly enforced and refreshed as we enter this fun-in-the-sun season.
The four rules that are taught and that new servers are tested on are:
1. Never serve anyone under the age of 21.
2. Never serve an intoxicated guest.
3. Never serve a guest to the point of intoxication.
4. Never allow an intoxicated guest to drive home.
These all become very important throughout our serving experiences and are relevant to the training program.
Although working in a restaurant and serving in a bar have slightly different avenues, it came to my attention over this Memorial day/ birthday weekend that bartenders are not as strict to these guidelines as servers in a corporate restaurant.
As my best friend and I celebrated our 21st birthdays, bartenders continued to serve us as we progressed through our evenings. Despite the fact that it was our birthday we both reached points of intoxication before the evening was over.
The question of whether or not we had designated drivers was not brought up until the evening was approaching a close and late night lingerers were presented with the age-old statement ” you don’t have to go home but, you can’t stay here.”
Needless to say, we survived and found adequate rides home. The next morning though I was seriously thinking about the policies and agreements that occur as alcohol is being consumed at a restaurant or bar.
Once people leave, the restaurant which they are traveling from is still responsible for the amount of alcohol the driver has consummed. Knowing this, it is important that people understand that if a server “cuts” you off, there is a reason.
Nobody wants to see anyone get hurt. Be that as it may, sometimes guests do not understand why their drinks are not being refilled. Not that this happens on a regular basis, however there are times that we all over-indulge.
Knowing your limits, or allowing someone else to recognize your limits for you, can save a reputation, a morning, and most importantly, a life.
1 response so far ↓
Fallon // May 29, 2008 at 2:54 am
I was just hired at a gas station today, and I had to watch 2 hrs worth of videos as part of my training. At least an hour and a half was based on alcohol. We have a whole policy on how to “handle” under-age customers to alcoholics!
Just letting you know that servers aren’t the only ones who can be blamed for other people having too much summer fun.
I learned that it’s illegal in some states to even sell liquor to alcoholics and attendants (like me) could be held liable for their actions.
How crazy is that? Well, good luck with your summer serving!