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Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management

A Comprehensive Alcohol Management Program for Sports and Entertainment Professionals

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Introductory Video

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Signs of Impairment

Judgment

Inhibitions

Reactions

Coordination

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Signs of Impairment Judgment

– Annoying others, inappropriate jokes, drinking faster, foul language, unacceptable behavior, driving while impaired, playing drinking games

Inhibitions– Loud, overfriendly, relaxed, mood swings, behaving

unusually, being flirtatious, argumentative, removing clothing

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Signs of Impairment Reactions

– Lose train of thought, glassy eyes, slurred speech, forgetful, unresponsive

Coordination– Stumbling or falling, swaying, asleep, dropping

things, unbalanced, fumbling, spilling drinks

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Tolerance The body’s ability to mask or hide

Behavioral Cues

A Guest with high Tolerance may be legally impaired

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Absorption Rate Factors

Gender

Rate of Consumption

Age

Size

Strength of Drink

Food

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Absorption Rate Factors

Size

Gender

Age

Rate of Consumption

Strength of Drink

Food

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Additional Information

Drink Equivalencies– 1 oz of 100 proof spirits = 5 oz of wine = 12 oz of beer

BAC – Blood Alcohol Content

Evaluate the Individual

Alcohol and Other Drugs

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Assessing GuestsLevel One – Drinking Responsibly

– Guest is consuming alcohol responsibly

Level TwoLevel Two – Potential or Borderline Impairment– Guest is showing some signs of impairment, and

you are concerned

Level Three – Definitely Impaired– Guest is not consuming alcohol responsibly

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Assessing Guests

I – 1.

I – 4.

I – 2. I – 3.

I – 5. I – 6.

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Understanding Liability Common Negligence

– Broad laws based on prior court cases, not specifically addressing alcohol

Dram Shop Liability– Alcohol-specific laws that apply to

establishments that provide alcohol

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Understanding Liability Reasonable Efforts

– The steps that all employees are legally expected to take to prevent alcohol-related problems or injuries

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Reasonable Efforts Check IDs Communicate

policies Train employees Documentation Cut-off impaired

guests

Offer alternative transportation

Offer alternative beverages

Designated driver programs

Work with police and security

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Understanding Liability Documentation

– Recording all alcohol-related incidents can help you and the facility track problem areas as well as improve your management of alcohol-related problems

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Documentation Information about incident Information about steps taken Protects facility Tracks trends Use the word “allegedly” Don’t admit fault or provide opinions

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Venue Policies

Display Alcohol Service Policies

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Intervention Guidelines

1.Avoid Escalation2.Make Clear Statements3.Use first person “I”4.Be non-judgmental and unthreatening5.Provide reasons for your action6.Use indirect strategies

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Evaluating Responses

Level One – Most Effective– The employee handles the situation effectively

Level Two Level Two – Moderately Effective– The employee attempts to intervene but is not

completely successful

Level Three – Ineffective– The employee does not effectively manage the

situation

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Evaluating Responses

II – 1.

II – 5.

II – 2. II – 3.

II – 4. II – 6.

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Evaluating Responses

III – 1.II – 7. III – 2.

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Skills Training / Practice Scenarios Parking Attendants Ticket Sellers Ticket Takers Ushers Security

Suite Attendants Guest Services Vendors in Stands Retail

Participant Test – Level One First Name Middle Initial Last Name Birth Date Work Area

Social Security Number Signature Name of Organization Test Answers (20)

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Level Two

For Alcohol Servers

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Blood Alcohol Content BAC

– For a 150 pound man with an empty stomach over one hour, the following would apply:

2 drinks = .05 BAC

4 drinks = .10 BAC

8 drinks = .20 BAC

12 drinks = .30 BAC

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Seller / Server Guidelines ID Guidelines

– Ask for positive ID – don’t guess

– Ask for more proof if you have any doubts

– Know where the alcohol is going

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Seller / Server Guidelines Cut-off Guidelines

– Say “No” and move on. Keep the line moving.

– Give clear reasons and don’t judge the guest. Never say “You’re drunk.”

– Call for backup if the guest makes trouble.

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Seller / Server Guidelines Safe-Drinking Guidelines

– Buy time. Limit the number of drinks a guest can buy or the number of times a vendor in the stands walks by fans.

– Offer alternatives to alcohol.– Use the personal touch. Make eye contact

and friendly conversation with each guest.

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Checking IDs Ask the guest to remove the ID. Thoroughly examine the ID. Ask questions to quiz the guest about the ID. Ask for a second form of ID if necessary. If in doubt, don’t sell.

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Legal & State Specific Information

Minimum age to serve

Dram Shop liability laws

Confiscate IDs ?

Penalties for liquor laws violations

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Skills Training / Practice Scenarios

Concessions

Vendors

Suites

Participant Test – Level Two First Name Middle Initial Last Name Birth Date Work Area

Social Security Number Signature Name of Organization Test Answers (30)