The adverse effects of indulgence in alcohol are well known and documented. Notably, the effects range from affecting the health of an individual to the well-being of a nation (Drugfreeworld.org, 2016). Uncontrolled consumption of alcohol costs the nation a lot of money in treating the sick individuals and managing the adverse social impacts of alcohol. On a personal level, alcohol affects the brain, heart, pancreas, liver and the immune system of an individual. The numbers of road carnages caused by drunk driving are on the rise, and they result in deaths and disabilities. Similarly, alcohol consumption is attributed to social vices such as rape, robbery, and violence (Drugfreeworld.org, 2016). Therefore, all states of US have enacted policies to govern distribution and consumption of alcohol. Alcohol governing laws vary according to individual states, but some laws are similar. Such laws that cut across the board include the Dramshop laws, underage drinking, and serving to a point of intoxication. Every business has evolved mechanisms for enforcing the government laws concerning alcohol consumption and controlling the distribution and serving of alcohol in their premises. Research was conducted to identify various mechanisms utilized by the firms’ beverage control managers to enforce laws and safeguard their beverages.
Observations in the establishment
Identity authentication
In the course of research, the beverage management through their staff has managed to control underage drinking. The stern measures to curb underage indulgence were observed in the many restaurants and pubs visited. The pubs and clubs ensured that the identification cards were checked before one enters the premises (Lenk et al., 2010). The inspection included counterchecking the photo on the identification card and the individual to ensure that they were the actual owners. Conversely, the food restaurants were reluctant on checking the identification cards; they asked the IDs when a person looked younger, and especially women. In both pubs and restaurants attended, women were requested to provide their IDs more than men did. Besides, the prohibition of underage drinking was highlighted by numerous signs on the walls and behind the bars that warned against the sale of alcohol to individuals aged below 21 years. The alcohol bottles and cans had the messages that warned against the sale of alcohol to underage individuals. The majority of bartenders under observation did not ensure that the person who ordered consumed the alcohol. Thus, a minor could access alcoholic beverages easily through a friend of age.
Strict control measures were observed
The study observed that the management was incredibly keen to control any act that would result in losses for the company. Foremost, the alcoholic beverages were safeguarded behind the bars, and only the bartenders were allowed to pour the beverage including water. It achieved above through training and organizing its staff so that the clients were served efficiently and to avoid errors such as failing to document orders. The research found that only the bartender is designated behind the bars while the other staff attends the clients. A staff member takes orders only from a certain group to avoid confusion, and he or she documents orders before serving. The bartenders use different types of measurements for various beverages; mainly, the beers observed were served in bottles while the wines were served in glasses. The bartenders would access the cash register behind the bars. All the food operators under study would serve an individual up two bottles of alcohol but not multiple bottles. The security guards at the entrance and inside the premises guaranteed the safety of the staff.
Responsible drinking was also observed
The research was not able to establish the way the staff behaved towards an already intoxicated individual because such was never encountered. In all the three restaurants and two pubs visited, the depiction was that of responsible drinkers. Precisely, the study did not meet a scenario where an individual was denied alcohol because he or she has had enough to drink. Nevertheless, all the food service operators enforced the Dramshop law of preventing liability; especially, in the case of selling alcohol to the underage (Ncsl.org, 2016). Notably, the enforcement of the DramShop law that the food operator is liable for accidents caused by a drunk driver from the premises is faced with several challenges. Importantly, it is hard to tell a person who is intoxicated, and some individuals who buy alcohol in bulk do not wait until they get home to take alcohol. The study was able to establish that the alcohol beverage managers have invested many resources to ensure that alcohol is not served to underage individuals, and their beverages and beverage stock is safe. In addition, they have employed security guards to facilitate the safety of the staff and the clients in their business premises.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the majority of the alcohol beverage managers have outlined measures that facilitate the realization of maximum profits. The significant measure includes minimizing liabilities by enforcing the state's laws and training its staff to identify individuals that are already intoxicated. Nevertheless, whereas the management has done their part, the staff can fail them by not implementing. Therefore, the management should formulate rules that reward those who execute the laws and punish those who do not.
References
Drugfreeworld.org, (2016).Short- & Long-Term Effects of Alcohol - Negative Side Effects on the Body - Drug-Free World.Drugfreeworld.org. Retrieved 24 February 2016, from http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/alcohol/short-term-long-term-effects.html
Lenk, K., Toomey, T., Erickson, D., Killiam, G., Nelson, T., & Fabian, L. (2010). Alcohol Control Policies and Practices at Professional Sports Stadiums. Public Health Report, 125(5), 665-673. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2925002/
Ncsl.org, (2016).Dram Shop Liability State Statutes.Ncsl.org. Retrieved 24 February 2016, from http://www.ncsl.org/research/financial-services-and-commerce/dram-shop-liability-state-statutes.aspx
