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 alcohol 1. Service – but not sell 2. Obtain special or temporary permits 3. Obtain permanent license 4. Obtain license to sell – but must by from retailer – not wholesaler 5. 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 Laws Vary 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 M MM MUST be a aa 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- Budweiser Miller Heineken Etc.

Spirits 3 levels Well Brands (cheapest) Call Brands (higher end) Top Shelf (most expensive) All distilled spirits Rum Vodka Gin Scotch Can be “craft” or specialty (single malt)

Figuring Beverage Quantities Local customs and audience determine how much to serve Younger crowd may drink more beer and spirits Older 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 hour2 drinks 2 Hours3 drinks 3 hours3 – 4 drinks 4 hours4 -5 drinks