How to Be Alcohol Server - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 16, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The consumption of alcohol has a direct effect on public safety. When alcohol is over-consumed due to inadequate server training, the risk of alcohol-related harm increases significantly. The consequences of irresponsible alcohol service can range from property damage to serious injury and death.

Therefore, it is important for servers to be properly trained in order to protect the public by promoting responsible alcohol consumption. Server training programs should include topics such as recognizing signs of intoxication, legal alcohol service requirements, and techniques for responsibly serving and refusing alcohol service to patrons. By ensuring servers are properly trained, everyone involved in the sale and consumption of alcohol can do their part to help reduce the risks associated with irresponsible alcohol service.

Steps How to Become

Meet Your State Requirements. Each state has its own requirements for becoming an alcohol server. Generally, youll need to be at least 18 years old, but some states require servers to be 21 or older. Youll also need to obtain any necessary licenses or permits required by your state.
Take an Alcohol Server Training Course. Most states require alcohol servers to take an approved training course. These courses teach you about responsible alcohol service, the laws and regulations regarding alcohol sales, and how to recognize signs of over-intoxication.
Obtain Your Alcohol Server License. After youve completed your training course, youll need to apply for your alcohol server license from your state or local government. You may also need to provide proof of your age and pass a written exam.
Get Hired. Once you have your license in hand, youre ready to start searching for employment. Many restaurants and bars hire servers with prior experience in the industry, so you may want to begin your search with establishments that youre familiar with.
Learn the Ropes. Even if you have prior experience as a server, youll need to familiarize yourself with the policies and procedures of your new place of employment. Ask questions and take notes to make sure you understand how things are done at the restaurant or bar.
Follow the Rules. When serving alcohol, its important to be diligent about following the rules and regulations set forth by your state and local government. You should also be aware of any policies put in place by the establishment in which you work. Following these guidelines is the best way to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Alcohol servers are an essential part of any business that serves alcoholic beverages. Their role is to ensure safe and responsible service of alcohol, and to do this, they must be reliable and capable. Reliability is a key factor for any alcohol server, as it ensures that patrons will be served in an organized and efficient manner.

A reliable alcohol server will also have the ability to recognize signs of intoxication and take appropriate action, such as refusing service. they must have a thorough understanding of their legal duties and responsibilities, such as checking IDs and following all laws surrounding the sale of alcohol. Capability is also important, as servers must be able to handle large amounts of customers, accurately take orders, and efficiently make drinks.

They should also be knowledgeable about the different types of alcohol available, so they can give customers accurate information. Having reliable and capable alcohol servers is essential for any business that sells alcoholic beverages, as it ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

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Job Description

Greet customers and take orders
Check customers identification to verify age requirements for alcoholic beverage purchases
Pour, mix, and serve drinks to customers
Collect payment for drinks served
Monitor customer behavior to ensure a safe and fun atmosphere
Clean glasses, bar equipment, and work areas
Stock service areas with beer, wine, liquor, and other bar supplies
Make drink suggestions and answer questions about food and drinks
Balance cash drawers at the end of shifts
Comply with all health and safety regulations

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of alcohol laws and serving regulations in your state.
Ability to check IDs and verify customers ages.
Excellent customer service skills.
Knowledge of popular drinks, beer, wine, and spirits.
Ability to accurately calculate and collect payments.
The ability to safely and responsibly handle food and beverages.
Ability to anticipate customers needs and respond quickly and professionally to requests.
Ability to upsell drinks and food items.
Knowledge of bar terminology and techniques.
Ability to multitask and keep a clean and organized work area.

Alcohol servers play a vital role in preventing the abuse and misuse of alcohol. Serving alcohol responsibly is an essential skill to have and requires a good understanding of the legal implications and potential consequences of serving alcohol to minors or intoxicated individuals. The most important skill for an alcohol server is the ability to recognize when a customer has had too much to drink, and either refuse service or stop service in a courteous and professional way.

servers must be aware of local laws and regulations regarding alcohol service, such as how much alcohol can be served to one person, when it is permissible to serve alcohol, and which forms of identification are acceptable. By adhering to these laws, alcohol servers can help ensure that they are providing a safe environment for customers. An alcohol server's knowledge and ability to recognize potential signs of intoxication can go a long way towards preventing alcohol-related incidents and ensuring that customers enjoy a safe and pleasant experience.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in serving alcoholic beverages?
How do you ensure that all guests follow the legal drinking age requirements?
What steps do you take to ensure the safety of your guests while they are consuming alcohol?
How would you handle a situation where a patron is over-intoxicated?
What experience do you have in mixing drinks and creating cocktails?
How do you handle difficult customers in an alcohol-serving setting?
What methods do you use to prevent alcohol wastage during service?
How do you ensure that all alcohol is stored safely and securely?
What do you think is the most important thing to remember when serving alcohol?
What do you think sets you apart from other alcohol servers in the industry?

Common Tools in Industry

Breathalyzer. A device that measures the amount of alcohol in a person's system. (eg: Alco-Sensor IV)
POS System. Point of sale system to track sales, manage inventory, and manage employee records. (eg: Square)
Inventory Management Software. Software to track and manage liquor inventory. (eg: Barvision)
Checklist App. App to track compliance with local laws and regulations. (eg: ServeNow)
Cash Register. A device used to process transactions with customers. (eg: NCR Silver)
ID Scanner. A device used to verify customers' identification. (eg: Intelli-check)
Tip Tracking Software. Software to track tips given to employees by customers. (eg: Tipsy)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC)
National Restaurant Association (NRA)
Responsible Alcohol Retailers Association (RARA)
International Association of Professional Bartenders Association (IAPBA)
National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA)
International Sommelier Guild (ISG)
Beverage Alcohol Resource Group (BAR)
National Bartenders Association (NBA)
National Conference of State Liquor Administrators (NCSLA)
American Beverage Licensees (ABL)

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Common Important Terms

Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Laws. State laws that regulate the sale, distribution, and consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Responsible Beverage Service (RBS). An approach to alcohol sales that promotes responsible drinking and prevents underage drinking.
Dram Shop Laws. Laws that allow a person to sue a bar, restaurant, or other licensed establishment for damages related to the sale of alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person.
Intoxication. A state of impaired mental faculties and physical coordination caused by the consumption of alcohol.
Blood Alcohol Content (BAC). The percentage of alcohol in a person's bloodstream.
Standard Drink. A specific amount of an alcoholic beverage (e. g. , 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1. 5 ounces of distilled spirits).
Identification (ID). Documentary proof of age used to verify whether a customer is of legal drinking age.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Alcohol Server?

An Alcohol Server is a person responsible for the sale, service and consumption of alcohol in a licensed establishment.

What qualifications do Alcohol Servers need?

Alcohol Servers must be at least 18 years of age and must have a valid alcohol server permit or license in order to serve alcohol in licensed establishments.

What is the purpose of an Alcohol Server Permit?

An Alcohol Server Permit is designed to help ensure that individuals serving alcohol are knowledgeable and responsible in the sale, service and consumption of alcoholic beverages.

How often must Alcohol Server Permits be renewed?

In most states, Alcohol Server Permits must be renewed every two to three years.

Are there any penalties for not having an Alcohol Server Permit?

In most states, individuals without an Alcohol Server Permit may be subject to fines or other penalties if caught serving alcohol without a valid permit.

Web Resources

Alcohol Service | University Policies and Standards | Oregon policy.oregonstate.edu
AlcoholEdu University Health Services UWMadison www.uhs.wisc.edu
Educlasses online Alcohol Seller Server Classes www.educlasses.org