Maximize the Fun and Minimize the Danger
Illinoisans are finally returning to their old routines of heading out to bars to wind down on the weekends. Taking the edge off a rough day by going for drinks with friends is a great American pastime. But it’s essential to draw a line between taking the edge off and reaching a point of intoxication. People are notoriously optimistic at estimating how much liquor they can hold, so it’s up to servers and sellers to be alert and aware of signs that one more drink will cross the line.
A short and sweet summary of functional capabilities at different blood alcohol content levels is helpful or any BASSET certified server or seller:
.02-.06 – Normal to Buzzed
At the .02 end, a person may appear normal and effects might only be detected by fairly sophisticated tests. As level creep above that, a person is likely to feel a sense of relaxation and mild euphoria. Once the .06 level is reached, however, visible effects become more apparent. A person will show less social inhibition and start becoming more boisterous and perhaps obnoxious. In other words, control begins to become impaired.
Once these signs are seen, it’s time to cut someone off. Perhaps offer food and/or water and monitor a safe exit for the customer.
.08 – Danger, Danger
.08 is the number most people associate with intoxication, since it is the legal limit. It’s important to remember that a person with a blood alcohol content lower than .08 could still show signs of impairment (and, if so, could still be convicted of DUI, for example). At this level, speech is often slurred and motor skills are clearly affected. One of the major reasons this level is so dangerous is because a person may “feel” totally great, but their actual functioning abilities are much lower than they realize.
.14-.17: Major Impairment
Since there’s no question for sellers and servers that a customer is done if over .08, it could be said that what happens beyond that is irrelevant for BASSET card purposes. However, it can be helpful to know, when having to cut someone off, that once a person gets beyond .08, many of the good feelings associated with drinking fade away. The person will display aggressiveness and will often have problems with the simplest of tasks, like walking and standing. Your customers aren’t missing anything enjoyable by being cut off before this happens. When the person gets into the .14-.17 range, they are likely to experience a blackout.
If you have reason to believe that one more drink will cross the line into intoxication, you’re legally prohibited from selling or serving them that drink. You must cut them off. You have no room for discretion.
Look for the early signs of intoxication at the start of their visit, and gauge drinks carefully, so you’ll know when enough is enough as easily as possible.
At BASSET On The Fly, we’re happy to help you stay up-to-speed with this and other issues related to alcohol service. Keep your BASSET card up-to-date for the right price, whenever convenient for you! BASSET On The Fly is licensed by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC). Our On-Premise and Off-Premise BASSET certification courses are 100% online, self-paced so you can proceed through the material as fast as you want, and your temporary BASSET card will be emailed to you immediately upon completion. Oh, and it only costs $12.99. Sign up today!
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