Off Premise Catering Chapter 4 – Beverage Service

Beverage Service

Caterers should be knowledgeable about alcoholic beverage service as it fits into the business plan

Children’s party specialty caterer – not at all

High End Caterer should have broad knowledge of alcoholic beverages and service

State & Local regulations

State and local regulations determine if and how an off premise caterer can serve alcohol1. Service – but not sell2. Obtain special or temporary permits3. Obtain permanent license 4. Obtain license to sell – but must by from retailer –

not wholesaler5. Licenses to sell spirits can be different that beer

and wine

Legal Liability – Alcohol Service

Third Part Liability – Server or bar is as responsible for an incident as the person who was harmed or the person who did the harm

Administrative Liability - could result in fine, temporary or permanent revocation of license

Social Host Liability – similar to third party – used in a limited number of states

Criminal Liability – Being negligent in the service of alcohol – may result in jail time and/or fines.

Responsible Service Components

Proper Alcohol Service

Service to Minors

Open Container LawsVary by municipality

The Server / Sales Person

To be a server or sales person of alcoholic beverages in Florida, a person must be 18.

Satisfactorily complete the Responsible Vendor Program Certification training, and examination.

LEGAL DRINKING AGE

In Florida a person MUST be at least 21 YEARS of age:

• Purchase

• Consume

• Possess

Proof of Age

Acceptable Identification

(IF A GUEST LOOKS UNDER 30 – REQUEST ID)

1. A VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE (U.S., FOREIGN, INTERNATIONAL)

2. OFFICIAL STATE ID CARD

3. PASSPORT

4. U.S MILITARY ID CARD(ALL MUST HAVE PHOTOGRAPH)

False or Fake Identification Documents

• SMUDGING, SMEARS, TEARS

• PASTE JOBS/SPLIT LAMINATION

• COMPARE PHOTO, AND MOUNTING

• UN-PROFESSIONAL/ NOT OFFICIAL LOOKING APPEARANCE

• COMPARE PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION TO PHOTOGRAPH

Underage Drinkers

Be aware of Cultural Differences -

In many countries, small amounts of alcohol are served to children. While we respect other cultures, this is illegal in the United States.

Certain events held in celebrations of a juvenile milestone (i.e. Bar Mitzvah) may prompt “elders” to try to give juveniles alcohol.

What is BAC? Blood Alcohol Content

What does a BAC above .08 mean? It means that a persons blood alcohol content is too high to legally

drive a car. In many states a BAC of .08 is legally intoxicated

Intoxication

Penalties for violations

You can be held

Criminally liable – jail and fines

Administratively liable – loss of license

Civilly liable – civil lawsuits for damages

Intervention Techniques

Refuse Service

Be tactful, but firm

Ask for help from Friends

Summon help from manager

Call the police if the guest leaves – offer cab or ask if can call friend or family member,

Large Functions

Make sure there is a clear policy and in writing

Make sure host signs the document

Clear drinks frequently

Have shorter cocktail hours

Serve plenty of attractive hos d’oeuvres

Have servers pour wines – do not leave bottles on tables

Close bars before the event is over (up to an hour)

Serve plenty of coffee and desserts at the conclusion of the event

Guests should not pour their own drinks

Never pour double shots or serve dual alcohol drinks (Long Island Iced Tea)

Documentation

All incidents should be documented – along with any witnesses

A Brief Overview of Alcoholic Beverages

Clients will ask for advice – be prepared within the context of your company to answer

Develop a “go to” list of beers, wines and spirits that you can discuss well

With wines and beers, have suggestions to pair wines and even craft beers (microbrews) with food items

Understand regional and cultural influences

Wines

Wine has been made for millenia –

Many serious wine drinkers will discuss with the caterer the wines to be served and may even specify

Many serious wine drinkers will attempt to bring in their own wine to a function, even if the beverage service is free. Have a plan to address

Beer

Rise in mico- breweries or craft beer

Standard big companies-BudweiserMillerHeinekenEtc.

Spirits

3 levelsWell Brands (cheapest)Call Brands (higher end)Top Shelf (most expensive)

All distilled spirits RumVodkaGinScotch

Can be “craft” or specialty (single malt)

Figuring Beverage Quantities

Local customs and audience determine how much to serveYounger crowd may drink more beer and spiritsOlder group may drink more spirits and wine

Time of Day

Venue

General guidelines

750 mL bottle of wine 4 to 5 glasses per bottle

1 liter bottle of Spirits (always use a jigger – never free pour) 33 1 oz. drinks 27 1 ¼ oz. drinks 22 1 ½ oz. drinks

Length of party 1 hour 2 drinks 2 Hours 3 drinks 3 hours 3 – 4 drinks 4 hours 4 -5 drinks