Responsible Beverage Service
With the implementation of stringent new impaired-driving laws in BC, plus a heightened awareness among the public in general toward alcohol-fuelled accidents, greater responsibility is being placed on licensed establishments to be accountable for the actions of both their staff and their patrons.
When it comes to exercising duty of care, employers can manage their risk by putting in place and properly following a Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Program, including Serving It Right.
RBS programs aim to reduce alcohol-related problems. An effective approach involves the entire staff first working together to create and enforce the establishment’s house policies. A complete and successful RBS program includes policies that will help prevent service to underage and intoxicated patrons, plus intervention techniques to help you manage your duty of care to patrons, other customers and the public.
It is only through proper and consistent implementation of house policies that you ensure responsible beverage service and shield your establishment from unwanted lawsuits.
Tools & Resources
go2HR and the industry have developed some tools and resources to help you implement a RBS program and reinforce the concept to your staff and patrons.
Serving It Right Logbook
Why should you use the Serving It Right Logbook?
- It helps you and your staff record and recall events that happen each day
- It provides an accurate record of incidents that may form the backbone of a defence in the event of civil litigation
- It is easy to use with pre-designed forms and checklists
What’s in the Logbook?
- Daily communication log for each day between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31 (in 2 convenient easy to download/print files)
- Detailed incident report forms
- Guidelines and tips for how to use the Serving It Right logbook
- Note: It is important to create a bound copy of this logbook as it will have more credibility in a court of law than one that is not bound.
Download Logbook
How to Estimate Your Blood Alcohol Concentration
These resources contain a chart that helps estimate blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
Responsible Beverage Service Tip Sheets
The following tip sheets cover a number of key topics around responsible beverage service. Print them out and use them at staff meetings or post them in a staff room as a reminder.
- 10 Requirements for an Effective Responsible Beverage Service Program
- Common myths about alcohol
- Discontinuing service
- Ensuring That Customers Arrive Home Safely
- Factors that Influence Intoxication
- House Policies
- Identifying Underage Drinkers and Fraudulent ID
- Liquor Liability
- Recording Incidents and Sharing Information
- Retail Liquor Stores
- Signs of Intoxication
Developing a House Policy and Samples Policies
In developing house policies, always begin with a risk assessment. This will help to prevent problems and potential legal action. House policies will be different for each establishment based on its particular risks.
Click here to read more and download sample house policies.
NEW
Sample house policy #4 – Identifying Patrons Impaired by Cannabis and Alcohol
The Serving It Right Buttons
We’ve created an easy way to for you to show your guests that your company and its employees are certified and advocates of BC’s Responsible Beverage Service program! With our lightweight and thin square-shaped pins, which are easy to put on and it has the consistent Serving It Right branding on them, it’ll be sure to catch the attention of your customers. It’s only a dollar per button (plus shipping)!
Special Event Permit Kit
ICBC and police across the province are encouraging drivers to be responsible. Almost half of impaired driving-related deaths happen in the summer in BC (June to September) and overall it remains one of the top three contributing factors for fatal crashes in BC.
If you are hosting an event involving alcohol, order their Special Event Permit Kit to remind your guests to get home safely. The kit includes materials to help you prevent alcohol-related incidents at your event and encourages people to use a designated driver or other safe options to get home safely.
Do you have a unique RBS tool or program in place? We would love to hear about them! Email us and share your stories.