DE Alcohol Server flashcards
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32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Delaware legal drinking age
- The minimum age to purchase or consume alcohol in Delaware is 21. Selling or serving to anyone under 21 is prohibited, with limited exceptions for religious or medical purposes and parental provision in private.
- Visibly intoxicated standard
- Delaware law prohibits serving alcohol to a person who is visibly intoxicated. Servers must refuse service and arrange safe transportation when a patron shows signs of impairment.
- ABCC
- The Delaware Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission is the state agency that regulates alcohol licenses, enforces alcohol laws, and administers penalties for violations.
- Server age requirement
- In Delaware, servers must be at least 18 years old to serve alcohol, and 21 to tend bar in some circumstances. Check current ABCC regulations for specific requirements.
- Open container law
- Delaware law prohibits open containers of alcohol in vehicles and public areas. Servers must not allow patrons to leave the premises with an open alcoholic beverage.
- Acceptable ID forms
- Valid driver's license or state ID from any U.S. state, U.S. military ID, valid passport, or Delaware-issued ID card. Expired IDs are not acceptable.
- Age calculation method
- Subtract birth year from current year, then adjust if birthday has not yet occurred this year. If the result is under 21, refuse service.
- Fake ID red flags
- Altered or missing information, expired date, photo mismatch, unusual font or layout, and vertical orientation on some licenses. Always verify date of birth and photo.
- Third-party purchase
- A person over 21 buying alcohol for an underage friend. Servers should watch for groups where one person purchases for others and check IDs for all members.
- ID check documentation
- Keep a written record of ID checks and refusals, including time, description, and reason. Documentation demonstrates due diligence and helps defend against allegations.
- Physical intoxication signs
- Slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, loss of coordination, stumbling, and difficulty with fine motor tasks such as handling money or a phone.
- Behavioral intoxication signs
- Loud or aggressive speech, inappropriate comments, mood swings, and overly friendly or confrontational behavior. These may appear before physical signs.
- Standard drink definition
- About 0.6 fluid ounces of pure alcohol: 12 oz regular beer (5% ABV), 5 oz wine (12% ABV), or 1.5 oz distilled spirits (40% ABV).
- BAC factors
- Blood alcohol concentration rises faster with rapid consumption, empty stomach, and lower body weight. Women and older adults generally reach higher BAC than men at the same dose.
- Delaware DUI limit
- The legal limit for driving in Delaware is 0.08% BAC for adults 21 and over. Commercial drivers are subject to 0.04%, and underage drivers face zero tolerance.
- Severe intoxication signs
- Vomiting, passing out, slow or irregular breathing, and confusion. Call 911 immediately and do not leave the person alone.
- Refusal language
- Use polite but firm phrases such as "I'm sorry, I can't serve you any more alcohol tonight." Avoid confrontation and judgmental tone.
- Safe transportation offer
- Offer to call a taxi, rideshare, or sober friend for an intoxicated patron. Never let them drive. Arrange transportation before they leave the premises.
- Team communication
- Notify other staff when a patron is cut off so no one else serves them. Use a team approach and inform the manager on duty.
- Refusal documentation
- Record the time, patron description, reason for refusal, and actions taken. This documentation can protect the server and licensee in liability claims.
- Trespass after refusal
- If a patron refuses to leave after being cut off, treat it as a trespass situation and call law enforcement. Do not physically restrain unless trained and authorized.
- Dram shop liability
- Delaware law allows third parties injured by an intoxicated patron to sue the licensee and server if alcohol was served to a visibly intoxicated person or a minor.
- Penalties for violations
- Fines, license suspension or revocation, and criminal charges for the server and licensee. Serving a minor can result in civil penalties and criminal penalties.
- Good faith protection
- Delaware law may provide immunity from liability for licensees and servers who act in good faith to refuse service or arrange transportation. Check current statutes for specifics.
- Liquor liability insurance
- Coverage for claims arising from alcohol service. Licensees should maintain adequate coverage to protect against dram shop and other liability claims.
- Administrative penalties
- The ABCC can impose fines, suspension, or revocation of the license for violations, and can affect the licensee's ability to renew.
- Incident reports
- Written records of ID checks, refusals, and interventions. They demonstrate due diligence and are important for defending against liability claims.
- Written service policy
- A documented responsible alcohol service policy including ID checks, refusal procedures, and intoxication monitoring. Train all staff on the policy.
- Food and water
- Offer food and non-alcoholic beverages to slow alcohol absorption. Encourage patrons to eat before and during drinking.
- Serving size control
- Use standard measures, avoid free-pouring, and be cautious with high-alcohol cocktails or shots. Control serving size and strength.
- Premises safety hazards
- Monitor for wet floors, broken glass, and overcrowding. Maintain clear exits and adequate lighting to prevent injuries.
- Staff empowerment
- Train staff to recognize and respond to intoxication and empower them to refuse service without fear of reprisal. Conduct regular refresher training.