Alcohol Service
Alcohol is Australia’s "social drug", and if not served and consumed responsibly can endanger the health and wellbeing of the drinker, and those around them (e.g. drink driving).
Responsible serving practices aim to prevent underage drinking, prevent or manage intoxication and intoxicated behaviour, prevent or manage violent or disruptive behaviour, and prevent "over the limit" drinking and driving, particularly if for example, guests are intending to use any motorised equipment – golf buggies, powered boats or other recreational vehicles.
There are sound commercial, legal and social reasons for having guidelines for the service of alcohol. For example, serving intoxicated patrons could result in personal or property damage, which becomes a financial problem for the licensee. Research suggests that staff turnover is higher in establishments which do not have responsible serving practices in place. Feedback from patrons also highlights the benefits of responsible serving practices, since they feel safer and are inclined to stay longer in environments which promote responsible alcohol consumption.
Responsible Service of Alcohol
Responsible hospitality practices are one of the useful topics discussed on the Queensland Government's Liquor Licensing Division website.
Legislation
The Liquor Licensing Division's website provides:
- the Liquor Licensing Division's guidelines which assist in the interpretation and application of various sections of the Liquor Act 1992 and Wine Industry Act 1994,
- the Liquor Act 1992 and Wine Industry Act 1994 (via the website of the Office of the Queensland Parliamentary Counsel)
- ordering facility for an authorised hard copy of the Liquor Act 1992 and Wine Industry Act 1994 (via the website of the Queensland Government printer).
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Checklist: Developing and Maintaining a House Policy
- Have staff been involved in developing the house policy?
- Do staff have regular meetings where the policy is reviewed and reinforced?
- Are staff and patrons aware of the house policy?
- Does each staff member have a copy of the house policy?
- Do all new staff members participate in an induction programme, including the house policy?
- Do all staff (permanent and casual) receive regular training pertaining to the house policy?
- Is the house policy displayed prominently?
- Does the house policy contain the following?
- Business philosophy
- Expectations of staff in relation to responsible service of alcohol
- Commitment to providing patrons with an enjoyable and safe environment
- Commitment to friendly, responsible and professional service to patrons
- Commitment to actively promoting low and non-alcoholic drinks, including mocktails
- Guidelines on how to deal with minors and intoxicated patrons
- Guidelines on when police and/or security will be called to deal with minors and intoxicated patrons
- Expectations of assistance to be offered to patrons
- Low-alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks are served
- Food, water and coffee are served
- Taxis are arranged
- System to record incidents of refusal of service, details of problem patrons etc.
- Expectations of security staff regarding who will be refused entry and the general manner in which patrons are to be treated
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Useful Links
The Queensland Liquor Licensing Division
The Division has three units: Licensing Administration, Industry Development and Investigations and Complaints. This website is an excellent place to find out about getting licensed, Liquor Industry News bulletins, the Liquor Act, Licensee Responsibilities, the Liquor Appeals Tribunal and Legislation and Guidelines.
Staff Training
Information about training is also available from the Queensland Liquor Licensing Division:
Staff Training
Outlines why training is essential and how it can be provided.
Workplace Health and Safety
The Department of Industrial Relations website has more information on workplace health and safety including advisory standards, brochures and guides.
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Quick Quiz
(Yes or No)
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Is alcohol a drug?
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Is alcohol a stimulant?
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Is alcohol a safe drug for everyone?
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Is 200 ml of wine a standard drink?
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Do men and women react the same way to alcohol?
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Can promotions which encourage excessive drinking result in a heavy fine for licensees?
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Does serving coffee help a patron to sober up?
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Could a staff member be fined for serving an intoxicated patron?
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Is an 18-year old boyfriend regarded as the responsible adult supervisor of a minor?
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Is a Drivers Licence regarded as proof of age in Queensland?
Answers...
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Yes.
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No, a depressant drug.
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No, people who are taking particular medications, or who are pregnant should not consume alcohol.
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No, a Standard Drink of wine is 100ml.
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No, women have a higher percentage of body fat, so absorb alcohol differently.
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Yes.
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No, only time will sober a person.
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Yes.
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No, a parent, step-parent, or other guardian is a responsible adult.
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Yes.
Related Topics
Go back to the main Topics page
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