Smart Serve Ontario – Lecture Review

A comprehensive set of Q&A flashcards covering standard drinks, intoxication signs, service guidelines, BAC factors, LLCA regulations, endorsements, SOPs, liability, safe-service techniques, ID verification, dangerous-situation management, and sexual-violence prevention for Smart Serve Ontario exam preparation.

What is the volume and alcohol percentage of a standard drink of beer in Canada?

12 oz (341 mL) of beer or cider at 5 % ABV.

What is the formula to calculate the serving size (oz) that equals one standard drink?

60 ÷ Alcohol % = Ounces that make one Standard Drink.

Using the standard-drink formula, how many ounces is a standard drink of 40 % spirits?

1.5 oz (60 ÷ 40 = 1.5).

Define intoxication according to Smart Serve.

A state where a person’s normal capacity to think, act, and move is impaired by alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs.

List three physical signs of intoxication involving loss of motor control.

Swaying or stumbling, bumping into objects, needing to hold onto furniture for balance.

Which traffic-light colour means a guest must not be served alcohol?

Red – the guest shows multiple signs of intoxication and service must stop.

At approximately what BAC level is a ‘green-light’ guest likely to be?

0.05 % or less.

How quickly does the body eliminate alcohol on average?

About one standard drink per hour (elimination rate ≈ 0.015 mg/100 mL/hr).

Name four personal factors other than sex, weight, drinks, and time that can affect BAC.

Food intake, body fat, fitness level, age (others include carbonated drinks and medication/drugs).

How do caffeinated energy drinks affect perceived intoxication?

They can mask alcohol’s depressant effects, causing people to underestimate how impaired they are.

At what times may a licensed Ontario establishment serve alcohol on New Year’s Eve?

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 a.m. (New Year’s Day).

What sign must every Ontario establishment display regarding alcohol and pregnancy?

Sandy’s Law poster warning that drinking during pregnancy can cause FASD.

Which LLCA endorsement allows customers to bring sealed bottles of commercial wine for on-site consumption?

Bring Your Own Wine (BYOW) endorsement.

Under a Caterer’s Endorsement, who is permitted to sell or serve alcohol at an off-site event?

Only the licensee’s employees.

What is unique about a Tailgate Event SOP regarding attendee alcohol?

Attendees 19 + may bring their own alcohol (BYOB) for consumption inside the permit area.

For a private SOP event, can alcohol be advertised on social media?

No. Private events cannot be advertised or open to the public.

What does ‘Take Home the Rest’ allow a customer to do?

Take home an opened, partially consumed bottle of commercially made wine that has been properly resealed.

During what hours may a licensed grocery store sell alcohol in Ontario?

7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Monday to Sunday.

Before delivering alcohol, what two age-related requirements must be met?

The recipient must be 19 + and the delivery staff must be at least 18 and Smart Serve certified.

Explain vicarious liability in alcohol service.

Employers may be held responsible for negligent or wrongful acts of their employees, even if the employer exercised care.

List two situations where entry to a licensed premise must be denied.

Guest is intoxicated; establishment is at maximum capacity (also: barred, disruptive, underage when prohibited).

What is the legal guideline on force when removing a guest?

Use no more force than is necessary to remove the individual; stop once they are out.

In Crocker v. Sundance Resort, why was the resort found 75 % liable?

It organized a dangerous event, supplied alcohol, and failed to stop a visibly intoxicated participant from competing.

In McIntyre v. Grigg, what duty did the court say commercial hosts have?

Monitor patrons’ consumption and take reasonable precautions to prevent intoxicated patrons from driving.

Give two tips for slowing down alcohol service.

Serve one drink at a time; offer water or alcohol-free beverages.

What is a key phrase to avoid when stopping service to prevent hostility?

Avoid saying “You’re drunk”; instead explain legal responsibility calmly.

Why should staff communicate when service has been slowed or stopped for a guest?

To prevent the guest from obtaining alcohol from another server and to maintain a consistent approach.

What are two red flags when checking identification?

Card has creases/bubbles around photo; expiration date is scratched or altered.

If unsure about ID authenticity, what verifying question can you ask?

Ask the customer to state their address or postal code without looking at the ID.

List one sign of harassment that should alert staff.

Persistent unwanted attention such as following or touching another guest.

What immediate action should be taken if you suspect a guest consumed a date-rape drug?

Seek medical help, keep the guest safe, and involve management and police immediately.

Why shouldn’t staff accept drinks from one guest to deliver to another without asking?

It may create pressure or unwanted interaction; always confirm with the intended recipient first.

How can carbonated drinks influence BAC?

They speed alcohol absorption by increasing pressure in the stomach, forcing alcohol into the bloodstream faster.

What must a liquor sales licensee include with every takeout alcohol order?

Food—liquor must be sold with food for takeout or delivery.

Which endorsement allows alcohol service on the playing area of a golf course?

Golf Course Endorsement.

What is the maximum capacity rule regarding inspectors?

Inspectors (AGCO, police, fire, etc.) must be admitted even if maximum capacity is reached.

State one LLCA rule about altering drinks.

Do not substitute or water down alcohol without the customer’s consent.

What time window applies to clearing all alcohol after stop-service time?

Within 45 minutes of stop-service.

Why is counting drinks alone unreliable for judging intoxication?

Guests may have consumed alcohol or drugs before arrival, affecting impairment levels.

Give two examples of mental/cognitive signs of intoxication.

Slurred speech and forgetting recent conversations.

What physical change might indicate cannabis use as well as alcohol intoxication?

Red or glassy eyes.

How does high body fat percentage affect BAC?

Higher BAC because alcohol is not absorbed into fatty tissue, concentrating it in less body water.

Which type of endorsement permits beer brewed on-site to be sold only for on-premise consumption?

Brew Pub Endorsement.

What must be included in a mini-bar under the Mini-Bar Endorsement?

Non-alcoholic beverages in addition to alcohol.

During an in-store sampling, can samples be sold at a profit?

No, only cost recovery is allowed.

What is a second-party purchase?

Someone 19 + buying alcohol for an underage or intoxicated person.

Name one house-policy measure to restrict access to alcohol outside sale hours in a grocery store.

Lock refrigerators containing alcohol.

Under LLCA, what are retailers required to allow inspectors to do?

Police and AGCO inspectors must have full access to inspect the store at any time.

When checking ID, why is asking for a second piece important with out-of-province ID?

It helps verify the person’s identity and guards against counterfeit documents.

What is one recommended tactic when a fight seems imminent?

Intervene diplomatically early and inform a manager; if weapons are present, call police immediately.

Define sexual consent in hospitality settings.

A voluntary, clear agreement to contact that can be withdrawn at any time; cannot be given when impaired.

List two observable signs that a guest may have been drugged.

Sudden extreme intoxication after little alcohol; loss of memory or passing out.

Why should staff not assume a situation is safe because the people know each other?

Most sexual violence is committed by someone the victim knows; vigilance is still required.

Explain the ‘Duty of Care’ after refusing service to an intoxicated guest.

Monitor and help arrange safe transport; you remain responsible until the guest is sober.

What is one way to identify an alcohol-free drink quickly in a bar?

Serve it in a distinctly different glass from alcoholic beverages.

When slowing service, why should salty snacks be avoided?

They increase thirst and may prompt guests to drink more alcohol.

What should staff do immediately after refusing an alcohol sale at retail?

Inform manager and coworkers so the customer cannot purchase from another cashier.

Why is it important to schedule alcohol sampling only during legal sale hours?

Sampling is considered service; offering samples outside legal hours violates LLCA regulations.

Which act governs injuries due to premises conditions, imposing liability on occupiers?

Occupier’s Liability Act.

How does Smart Serve define the main factors that impact customer BAC?

Sex, weight, number of drinks, and time.