Be responsible, and reduce your liability
By Lisa Scates,
Education Specialist, Liquor Control Division
Responsible retailing, whether at an on-premise or off-premise establishment, means implementing policies and practices that can help to promote responsible sales, service and consumption of alcohol.
The tone that you set at your establishment can determine the kind of activity that goes on. If you sell or serve alcohol, chances are you will have to deal with intoxicated customers, underage persons and added liability issues.
The goal is to stay responsible and promote an enjoyable social atmosphere. There are several ways that may help you accomplish this goal which in turn can help to reduce your liability. Listed below are just a few policies and practices to consider:
Policies
• Alcohol sales policy
• Carding policy
• Incident documentation
• Protocol for responding to violent situations
• Mandatory employee attendance of responsible alcohol sales and service training
• Mandatory employee signature of training statement – This statement should say at least these 3 things:
I have received sales and service training; I understand the sales and service training I received; and I will implement the skills and techniques I learned in the sales and service training.
• Employee policy that prohibits consuming alcohol on the job
• Protocol for law enforcement notification
Practices
• Provide high protein food for your customers
• Refuse service or a sale when necessary
• Offer your customers non-alcoholic beverages
• Serve water
• Recognize or reward employees when company policies are followed
• Use responsible promotions
• Offer alternate transportation (cab service, free ride home program)
��� Post company policies in public view of your customers
Remember, alcohol is a legal drug that needs to be sold and consumed responsibly. You can play a positive role in this by choosing to run your business responsibly.
The goal is to protect your business interests as well as your employees and your customers. Ultimately, this helps to protect your community and Montanans as a whole.
If you need additional information or have any questions, please call (406) 444-4307.