SIMPLE Approach Flashcards
S-Check for SIGNS of intoxication
It is a violation of the Liquor Licence Act (LLA) to allow an intoxicated person to enter or remain on the licensed premises. That’s why your first step is to watch for any signs of intoxication, and if required, refuse entry.
I-Ensure I.D. is valid
Before serving alcohol, ask for identification to confirm all customers are at least 19 years of age. A valid I.D. is one that is issued by the government and must include a person’s photograph and date of birth.
M-MONITOR alcohol consumption
When serving alcohol, monitor how many drinks each guest consumes so that you do not serve them to the point of intoxication. In addition to counting drinks, ask them questions and use your observational skills to see if they are showing signs of intoxication.
P-PREVENT over-service
Preventing over-service takes a little more care on your part. It could mean slowing down or stopping service. Ways to slow down service include: serving one drink at a time, waiting for the customer to reorder, and being less available for service by passing the table less frequently. You can also offer food, water, and other non-alcoholic drinks to slow down how fast the customer consumes alcoholic beverages.
L-Determine LEVEL of intoxication
Is the customer showing signs of intoxication? How would you rate the customer? Green, Yellow or Red? If you over-serve a customer, your responsibility does not end when the customer leaves. You are responsible for this customer until they are sober.
E-EVALUATE risk before departure
The final step is to evaluate customers to see whether their level of intoxication puts them, or others, at risk. If anything happens as a result of you over-serving a guest, you could be held civilly and/or criminally liable. If you determine that a customer should not drive, find another way to get them home safely. Always complete an incident report while the details are still fresh in your mind.
House Policies
House policies can be developed by the establishment to help staff understand what is expected of them in their job.
A house policy is a document that states an establishment’s commitment to safe and responsible alcohol sales and service and outlines processes and procedures for staff to follow.
More information on house policies can be found in the Manager’s Library under the Resource Centre at www.smartserve.ca.
What Should a House Policy Cover?
How to identify and deal with underage customers
How to deal with customers who appear to be intoxicated
How to stop service to intoxicated customers
How to handle difficult customers
All of the guidelines listed should be covered in a house policy. These guidelines can help you make difficult judgement calls and handle tough situations.
LLA Rules
It is a violation of the rules and regulations of the Liquor Licence Act (LLA) to sell alcohol to anyone under the age of 19. There could be serious consequences for both you and the licensee.
Monetary penalties imposed by the AGCO.
Charges by the police.
Liquor Licence suspended or revoked.
Important Note
1) You have the obligation to refuse entry or service if you have concerns about the identification a customer has provided.
2) Even if a customer has already had his or her I.D. checked at the door, you have the obligation to ask to see their I.D. again if they appear to be under the age of 19. You can also ask for a secondary piece of I.D. or additional verification questions.
Examples of Acceptable I.D.
Ontario Driver’s Licence
Canadian Citizen Card
Canadian Armed Forces Identification Card
Bring Your Identification (BYID) Card
Secure Indian Status Card
Permanent Resident Card
Photo Card Issued Under the Photo Card Act 2008
Canadian Passport
Ontario Health Card
Is the Ontario Health Card an acceptable form of I.D.?
If the Ontario Health Card is offered voluntarily, it can be accepted at your discretion.
By law, no one can be required to produce their Ontario Health Card.
It is illegal to collect or record information from the Ontario Health Card.
House Policy
Understand your house policy for checking identification. For example, an establishment might require every customer who appears to be under the age of 30 to show identification before being allowed onto the premises, or served alcohol.
View the Card
View the information on the card in a well-lit area. Have the customer remove the I.D. from their wallet and hold it in your hands. You should not remove the I.D. yourself.
Condition of Card
The card should be without tears, bubbles, creases, or folds. Extra thickness around the photo or laminated edges might indicate that the card was re-laminated with a different photo placed on top of the real one.
