Lesson 4

Serving Alcoholic and

Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Understanding beverage service
procedures and how to serve them
responsibly.

Lesson 4: Serving Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Lesson Overview

4.0 Introduction
4.1 Beverage service procedures
4.2 4.3 Responsible service of alcohol / Beverage service and
the law
4.4 Alcohols role in modern society
4.5 Recommended safe levels of consumption
4.6 The body and alcohol
4.7 Management responsibilities in beverage staff training
4.8 Preventing guest intoxication and identifying over consumption
4.9 Delaying or suspending service
4.10 The hangover

Conclusion
References

Lesson 4: Serving Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Aims and Learning Outcomes of the Lesson

On completion of this lesson the learner will be expected to

be able to;
Explain and apply the service procedures for alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages
Determine their legal and moral responsibilities in relation
alcohol service
Explain the recommended safe levels of consumption for
alcohol
Know the techniques used to prevent intoxication and to
identify intoxicated guests
Describe the potential effects of a hangover.

Lesson 4: Serving Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages

4.1

Beverage service procedures

Bamunuge, Edwards & Nutley, 2010) suggest that you should always make your customers feel welcome,
greet them with a smile, even if you are busy serving a drink order to someone else

Escort customers to a bar table (when possible) creates good impression, helps maximise seating
arrangements

Upon seating a customer show them the food and beverage lists, explain specialities, promotions etc

Types of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages:

Wine: still, sparkling, fortified or aromatized,
Beer: ales, lagers, stouts.
Cider and Perry.
Distilled spirits: vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, brandy (served with water, ice, in cocktails or speciality coffees).
Liqueurs: flavoured, (straight, with ice, within cocktails or speciality coffees).
Hot drinks: tea, coffee, chocolate.
Fruit juices: freshly squeezed or prepared juices (straight or without ice).
Mineral waters (natural mineral water, chilled or room temperature, manufactured mixers (served mixed with
spirits or straight with ice).
Cordial / Syrups: used for sweetening, flavouring, diluted with water.

Further information: Murphy, J.(2013) Principles and Practices of Bar & Beverage Management - Drinks
Handbook, Goodfellow Publishing Ltd, Oxford: England.

Lesson 4: Serving Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages

4.1 Beverage service procedures

(continued Still Wine Service)

Still wine service: (Champagne and sparkling wine service chapter 4 p. 55-58)
Initial considerations: taking the order, glasses, ice buckets, equipment, service temperature, decanting.

present the wine to the host (the person who ordered the wine) with the label facing them, the server states the name of the wine,
the grape (if applicable), the vintage (if applicable), to confirm that the wine is the one that was ordered by the host, the host will then
accept or decline the wine, if they decline then the correct wine should be sourced and presented immediately
the server opens the bottle in front of the customer, holding the bottle by the neck in your left hand, with the label facing the
customer, carefully cut the foil below the lip of the bottle with the blade on your waiters knife and remove the foil, the corkscrew is
then inserted into the bottle, carefully extracting the cork, ensure that you have your waiters cloth draped over your fore arm so as you
can wipe the top of the bottle
the cork is presented to the customer, this is for the customer to examine the cork for defaults as the cork is sometimes the reason
for faulty in wine, if it is a screw cap there is no need to present the cap
the server, serving from the right, then pours a taste of the wine for the host to taste. When pouring the wine, the server should hold
the bottle behind the label and not by the base of the bottle, the reason for this is so that the host can read the label again
when pouring wine the server should twist the bottle to ensure that no drops of wine will fall onto the table and then wipe the top of
the bottle with a waiters, service cloth
the host will then accept or decline the wine
the waiter will then pour wine for the ladies first, then gents, and the host last, if the host is a lady then you still serve her last,
consider also age, rank, and social position.
a bottle of wine will comfortable serve five people a medium sized glass each, when pouring wine for a party of six or more,
ensure that they all receive the same amount of wine, when filling the glass a general rule is to two thirds of a glass full for white wine
and a half glass full of red wine (this also depends on the size of the glass because some modern wine glasses can be huge
if the host orders another bottle of the same wine the host must receive a clean glass to taste and then the remainder of the table
are served
if the host orders a different bottle of wine, i.e., a different type of red wine, then everyone at the table should receive clean wine
glasses
you must finally check that the host and their guests are happy with the service ensuring also if they require other products and
services of the establishment before you leave the table.

Lesson 4: Serving Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages

4.1 Beverage service procedures

(continued Still Wine Service)

Wine Service
Figure 5.5 Glass carrying.

Figure 4.1 Carrying a drinks service tray.

Lesson 4: Serving Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages

4.1 Beverage service procedures

(continued Cocktail Service)

Cocktail Service: Making a good cocktail is about getting the balance of flavours right. Cocktails are about three
things, balance, style and consistency. If you can get that right everything else will fall into place. The cocktail service
also involves strategic decisions regarding the methods used to prepare the cocktails, these decisions depend on
several
factors;

If the cocktail contains a cloudy ingredient such as fresh cream, egg yolk, lemon or orange or a similar opaque item
it should be shaken.

If the ingredients are all clear and are also of Co2 (fizzy) then the cocktail should be stirred.

If the drinks involved are of different specific gravitys and the bartender wishes to keep the layers separate then the
cocktail be built slowly over the back of a spoon or just over ice.

If the cocktail requires freshly extracted oils or juices then the cocktail should be muddled.
Further information: Murphy, J. (2013) Principles and Practices of Bar and Beverage Management The Drinks Handbook, Goodfellow
Publishing Ltd, Oxford: England. (Chapter 10 & appendices I, provides a most comprehensive review of the best practice procedures involved in cocktail
service with detailed cocktail recipe listings and extended explanations of all the significant cocktail equipment used in cocktail service.

Lesson 4: Serving Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages

4.1 Beverage service procedures

(continued Coffee and Tea service)

Coffee and Liqueurs Service

it is a tradition to enjoy coffee at the end of a good meal.
personalise the individual coffee offering with modern service styles, (Americano, Latte, Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte Macchiato, Caffe
Mocha) find which types of coffee your customer require,

its important to ask each customer how much sugar they want and, when pouring out the coffee at the table, i.e. from a coffee pot offer
milk, or cream separately, as appropriate

always serve coffee in very warm cups, ideal service temperature for milk is 68c

serve the coffee from the right hand side of each customer, ideal service temperature for coffee is 82c

ensure that the coffee has a good flavour, aroma, body and colour with the milk, not grey

when serving coffee offer customers a choice of alcohol or liqueurs. Place the appropriate glasses i.e Cognac or liqueur glass to the right
of the customer. Cognacs and liqueurs must be served in the right glass (see scalding below).
Brewing Tea: This involves getting the amount of tea, the water temperature and the steeping time just right;

a light, airy tea such as white tea requires two heaping teaspoons for an 8-once cup.

for stronger, more densely packed black teas, use a level teaspoon.

White and many green teas should be brewed well below the boiling point, 160-180 degrees Fahrenheit.
The stronger and darker the tea, the closer to the boiling point the water should be. Lighter teas steep longer (3 to 5 minutes) than black teas (2
to 3 minutes). Lighter teas may also keep their flavour through multiple steepings. Black teas lose their flavour and much of their caffeine
after one or two steepings, although the taste of Pu-erh can last for several steepings.

Lesson 4: Serving Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages

4.1 Beverage service procedures

(continued Coffee and Tea service)

Tea Service
Pre-heat teapots and cups with hot boiling water, which is discarded prior to service,

Indian or Ceylon Blend: usually made in either china or metal teapots. Both are offered with milk or sugar.

Russian or Lemon tea: Made similar to china tea served in heat resistant glasses which stand in a silver holder,
with a slice of lemon.

Iced tea: made strong, sometimes strained and always chilled. Served in a tumbler glass on a side plate with a
teaspoon and lemon slice.

Speciality Teas

Assam: rich full and malty flavoured tea, suitable for breakfast, served with milk.
Darjeeling: the Champagne of teas, delicate tea with a light grape flavour, served in the afternoon or evening with
lemon or milk.
Earl Grey: blend of Darjeeling and China tea, flavoured with oil of Bergamot. Served with lemon or milk.
Jasmine: green (un-oxidised) tea, which is dried with Jasmine Blossom and produces a tea with a fragrant and
scented flavour.
Kenya: consistent and refreshing tea, served with milk.
Lapsang Souchong: a smoky, pungent and perfumed tea, delicate to the palate, which may be said to be an
acquired taste. Served with lemon.
Sri Lanka: pale golden tea, good flavour. The Ceylon blend is still used as a trade name. Served with lemon or
milk.
Tisanes: Tisanes are fruit flavoured teas and herbal infusions, which are often used for medicinal purposes.

Lesson 4: Serving Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages

4.1 Beverage service procedures

(continued Distilled spirits and liqueurs

service)

Distilled sprits and liqueurs service

(chapter 4 pp. 61-62 further information)

Adopting modern service techniques for these drinks can help to intensify and enhance the enjoyment of these
drinks for your customers.

Floating liqueurs (Pousse caf, layered shooters)

Flambe

Frozen drinks

Frosting (rimming) glasses

Frappe

Free pour

Chilled spirits

Mist

Martinis

On the rocks

Highballs

Scalding

Straight up, neat

Shots
Further information: Comprehensive information in relation to individual distilled spirits, beers, liqueurs, cocktails, tea
and
coffee, soft drinks and wine recommendations, preparation and service procedures please refer to Murphy, J. (2013)
Principles and Practices of Bar and Beverage Management- The Drinks Handbook, Oxford: England.

Lesson 4: Serving Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages

4.2 - 4.3 Responsible service of alcohol / Beverage

Service and the Law
Responsible Service of Alcohol

Bar staff and management have the task of serving and dealing with all types of people from all walks of life and
status of society, this is an enjoyable and rewarding part of the job

However there are many occasions when they have to deal with people who may well have on occasion for various
reasons consumed too much alcohol.

This situation requires considerable patience, tact, firmness and above all experience.

Alcohol awareness and responsible service can ultimately lead to informed and wise decision making by all bar
staff.
Beverage Service and the Law

The Laws relating to the provision of alcohol differ from country to country and sometimes even region, state or village, it is important that
you learn which laws which apply to your country or area
The bartender may be held responsible for injury to others that is caused by an intoxicated customer who has been served unlawfully,
failure to act responsibly in the service of alcohol can result if negligence is proven against the bar or bartender the court may allow
substantial damages
Crucial that the bar owner (license holder), their management and staff members to develop ways to monitor the service of alcohol.
An intoxicated guests normal judgment will be impaired, therefore, it is up to the bartender, not the customer, to decide on service.
Responsible alcohol service practices can also lead to better business practices which contribute to improving the atmosphere of the
bar, ultimately to achieve greater profits.

Bar owners should therefore improve their RSA practices and training for the following reasons;

maintaining a good reputation

increase customer satisfaction
decrease damage done to the bar
avoid potential legal cases
less police attendance
morale will increase boosting productivity and reducing staff turnover.

Lesson 4: Serving Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages

4.4

Alcohols Role in Modern Society

Alcohol is considered to be societies most prevalent and accepted legal

recreational drug; it is generally accepted as a component of our daily life.

Ancient cultures had their own form of alcohol, and it played its own role in each
society, be it religious or cultural, enjoying alcoholic beverages has been a part of
many societies over many centuries
The Swiss Alchemist Paracelsus (1493-1541) who was the first person to use
the word 'alcohol'.

Further information on World alcohol consumption, laws, advertising regulations;

The World Health Organization (WHO) Global Status Report, Alcohol Policy
reports.
The International Center for Alcohol Policy (ICAP) publishes the upper drinking
levels for most countries.
The Center for information on Beverage Alcohol (CBA).
Drinks companies worldwide have joined together to form social aspects
organizations to promote sensible and responsible drinking and to combat abuse

Lesson 4: Serving Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages

4.5 Recommended Safe Levels of Consumption

Recent research studies indicate that customers and individuals are drinking no more than their
parents were drinking 15 years ago but the frequency, strength of drinks, and amount of drinks
consumed per session has increased. These irrational drinking patterns have created a binge drinking
culture.

Scale units of alcohol for standard drinks: agreed convention is grams of absolute ethanol, enables
bartenders and consumers to be able to assess the risk levels for consumption, a standard drink, ranging
from 8g to 13g in certain countries)

Recommendations on drinking levels considered minimum risk for men and women cover a range of
values as daily limits, or as weekly recommendations.

Calculating the unit of alcohol in your drink (formula): Amount of drink (ml) multiplied by the drink
strength abv % = Unit/s of alcohol. 1 unit of alcohol is equivalent to 10 millilitres (which is approximately 8
grams of ethanol)

Examples: Cider (bottle: 330ml) multiplied by (cider strength: 5% abv) = 1.7 units

Lager (one pint : 568ml) multiplied by (lager strength: 4 % abv) = 2.3 units

Alcohol, acute and long term effects

1-2 units daily: Acute effects: a mild alteration of feelings and a slight intensification of moods. At 2 units, bad driving habits could be slightly
more pronounced but if you were to be breathalyses, your blood alcohol reading would probably be less than half the legal limit. Long-term
effects: regular daily consumption reduces levels of LDL (bad), cholesterol in the blood, cutting the risk of heart disease.
3-4 units daily: Acute effects: You may become more cheerful, feel warm, relaxed or slightly sedated. Emotions and behavior are
exaggerated and you take slightly longer to react. Long term effects: no significant risks to health.
5-8 units daily: Acute effects: Euphoria feeling, impairment of mental abilities, dangerous to drive. Long term effects: you're on the slippery
slope.
9-14 units daily: Acute effects: Loss of self-control, slurred speech, and double vision is common. Long-term effects: Some risk of breast
cancer and liver cirrhosis can be expected.

Lesson 4: Serving Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages

4.6 The Body and Alcohol

Distribution of alcohol: enzymes turn alcohol into acid aldehide into (safe acids), distribution differs on
gender; Men - high body fluid volume (usually 60-80% of body weight) distribution is usually slower. Women
lower body fluid (usually 50-70% of body weight) distribution is faster. Women have fewer enzymes in the liver
and gut wall that break down alcohol
Removal of alcohol: alcohol is predominately removed by metabolism in the liver cells.

Elimination rate is 5 - 9g e / h per hour (this basically means that alcohol is eliminated only at one unit per
hour).

Full detailed removal of alcohol from the body is as follows skin (sweat) 2-6%, lungs (breath) 2-4%, liver
90%, kidneys (urine) 2-4%.

Vomiting, perspiring, hyperventilating, consuming black coffee or urinating have no effect on the
removal on the amount of alcohol in the blood, and have little effect on the degree of intoxication. So you
must be extra careful the morning after, for example if you operating machinery or driving.

The body can only eliminate about one dose of alcohol per hour, by drinking several drinks in that
time will increase your BAC much more than having one drink over an hour or more.
Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels, tolerance to alcohol
Humans develop tolerance when their brains adapt to compensate for the disruption caused by alcohol in both their
behaviour and their bodily functions. BAC levels and likely human condition;,
BAC 40: you begin to feel relaxed, there is an increased chance of an accident (2 small beers)
BAC 60: you are cheerful, you have poorer judgment and decisions may be affected
BAC 80: you have a feeling of warmth and well being, there will be some loss of inhibitions and self control. Slow
reaction time, driving ability definitely worse
BAC 120: you are likely to become more talkative, excited and emotional, you are inhibited and may act on impulse
BAC 150: you are silly and probably confused, speech is slurred, may be aggressive
BAC 200: drunk, staggering, double vision, loss of memory, BAC 300: possibly unconscious
BAC 400: unconsciousness likely, death not unknown, BAC 500: death possible,
BAC 800: death probable.

Lesson 4: Serving Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages

4.7 Management Responsibilities in

Beverage Staff Training
Management must clearly state their expectation of staff and give them the authority to make
decisions.

Support staff with (written house policy, staff meetings, an incident log and reviewing particular
incidents).
Consider safe transport options

staff offering to call a friend or family member of a customer;

staff offering to call a taxi;

making a phone available and the phone numbers of taxi companies;

offering to include the cost of mini-buses as part of the costs of a function; and

starting a designated driver program (DDP)

Avoiding conflict and violence

removal of glasses, containers and litter regularly;

adequate numbers of licensed crowd controllers (hosts)

adequate toilet facilities

video camera surveillance in large bars and clubs

a good ratio between the men and women attending the premises

non-aggressive staff monitoring the door; these staff should vet underage persons

ready availability of attractive, keenly priced food, low alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks;

well trained staff, excellent customer service, variety of spaces and activities

adequate seating arrangements

Lesson 4: Serving Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages

4.8 Preventing Guest Intoxication and

Identifying Over Consumption
Strategies to prevent guest intoxication

Notify management of potential problems (i.e. guests drinking fast).

Keep track of how many drinks are being consumed and in what time frame.

Engage you guests in conversations, ask details that would be a good test of mental alertness (i.e. recent news,
sports events).

Suggest selling food (especially high protein food such as fried cheese, potato skins).

Promote healthy non and low alcoholic drinks / events attractive signage and price incentives are useful.

Bar staff can influence a customers decision regarding drinks so try to avoid unacceptable serving practices.
Techniques to identifying guest intoxication

Some people are very clever at hiding intoxication, so how do we identify over consumption, listed below are
some of the most signs to help you in your decision making process. These signs much not considered in isolation
of each other because rash decisions can also cause you major problems, a person with disability might display
some of the signs below;

A noticeable change in your customers behavior , becoming loud (heightened voice volume), erratic,
entertaining, animated, boisterous, using bad language, annoying customers, slurred speech, argumentative, mean,
obnoxious, over friendly to strangers wants to converse or buy them a drink, sudden quietness.

A lack of judgment, careless with their money, making silly, irrational or repeated statements, boasts about their
financial situation, conquests, physical or mental strength, drinking faster, complaining about drink prices.

Clumsiness, losing muscular control, becoming clumsy, spilling drinks and difficulty in picking up change.

Loss of co-ordination, swaying and staggering, difficulty in walking straight, bumping into furniture.

Decreased alertness, becoming drowsy (heavy eyelids), delays in responding to questions and paying attention,
hearing, concentration and focus glazed eyes, or becomes detached, brooding.

The smell of alcohol (an important indication).

Lesson 4: Serving Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages

4.9

Delaying or Suspending Service

When a customer has reached their maximum number of drinks, service can
be delayed; if the customer showing signs of intoxication, service of alcohol
may be stopped for the duration of the evening. This decision can be easily
determined by a customers actions.

Delaying or suspending service:

best practices (chapter 4 pp. 69-

70).

Refusal of service technique (T.A.K.E C.A.R.E Chapter 4 - p. 70).

Responsible service of alcohol (RSA): role-play scenarios for

discussion (chapter 4 p. 71).

Lesson 4: Serving Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages

4.10 The Hangover

Hangover symptoms are caused by the combined effects of the congeners and the
products of the breakdown of alcohol. Your customers will be suffering the following
conditions;
Dehydration: although you're taking in more fluids, you're also expelling them more
quickly, altering the water balance in the cells and tissues. This is the major cause of
hangover headache.
Low blood sugar
Irritation of the stomach lining
A degree of poisoning: congeners (impurities which give particular taste - toxins)
methanol, a type of alcohol found as a congener in most alcoholic drinks, is not broken
down by most people's bodies until the morning after. It's then that the unpleasant
toxins responsible for many hangover symptoms are produced.
Vessels relax (blood shot eyes): alcohol relaxes blood vessels, which then expand to
let more blood through, causing telltale bloodshot eyes.
Nervous System (sensitivity): the body combats the sedative effects of alcohol by
making the nervous system more sensitive - hence difficulty in sleeping, sensitivity to
lights and noise.
Brain cells: example: 1 single measure of whiskey destroys 20000 brain cells, which
will never be replaced.

Lesson 4: Serving Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Conclusion

Beverage staff must always seek to provide high standards when serving all
types of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Alcohol is usually present everywhere in our socializing, entertaining and
workplace environments
It enlivens our moment of relaxation and generally helps to promote lively
cultural engagements and a healthy disposition when consumed in moderation
and with care.
Unfortunately abuse or over consumption of alcohol can bring harmful
consequences.
Managing alcohol consumption through responsible service strategies need to
be adopted by all your in-house staff.
Promote low alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks,
Always support your bartenders when refusing service and allocate proper
access and time for RSA staff training.
Display your house policy on alcohol in a good vantage point within your
premises
Remember we can all make the differences that count in making our jobs more
enjoyable and our bars safer and socially enhanced.

Lesson 4: Serving Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages

References

Brown, G. Hepner, K. and Deegan, A. (1994) Introduction to Food and Beverage Service, Pearson
Education Ltd: England.
Cousins, J. and Lillicrap, D. (2010) Essential Food and Beverage Service, London: Hodder Education.
Edwards, G. (2002) Alcohol: The World's Favourite Drink, Thomas Dum Books: England.
Irish National Alcohol Awareness Campaign (2001-03) Phases and Booklets, Irish Health Board.
IBA. (2008) A Guide to Social Responsibility, International Bartenders Association: The Netherlands.
Kummer, C.(2003) The joy of coffee : the essential guide to buying, brewing, and enjoying. Boston:
Houghton Mifflin.
Murphy, J. (2005) Dealing with Intoxication, Licensing World, November, Jemma Publications Ltd: Dublin.
Murphy, R. (2002) Developing an Alcohol and Drug Policy for your Workplace', Western Health Board:
Ireland.
Murphy, J. (2013) Principles and Practices of Bar and Beverage Management, Goodfellow Publishing Ltd,
Oxford: England.
Murphy, J. (2013) Principles and Practices of Bar and Beverage Management The Drinks Handbook,
Goodfellow Publishing Ltd, Oxford: England.
Moxham, R. (2003) Tea: addition exploitation and empire, Constable Publishing: UK.
Water Codex II (nd) The San Pellegrino and Aqcua Panna Water - Codex II, : Italy.

Web resources

www.servsafe.com Serve-safe USA.

www.icap.org/Publication/ICAPBlueBook/tabid/148/Default.aspx International centre for alcohol policies (ICAP).

www.apsad.org.au
APSAD Australia.

www.efrd.org
European Forum for Responsible Drinking.

http://www.restaurant.org/legal/law_alcohol.cfm#incident National restaurant association, how to serve alcohol responsibly.