The Common Sense Guide to Responsible Hospitality
An Introduction

This guide is a quick reference prepared by the North American Partnership for Responsible Hospitality (NAPRH) for community organizations, businesses and educators.

A Practical Guide For:
- On-premise establishments
- Off-premise establishments
- Corporate hosts
- Concessionaires
- Social/individual hosts
- One-day permit holders

Communities want common sense strategies to encourage personal and host responsibility to reduce the harmful effects from the abuse of alcohol beverages, to allow those who choose to drink responsibly to do so, and respect the rights of those who choose to abstain. Responsible hospitality is one important strategy to accomplish this goal.

Presented in a checklist format, this guide suggests ways to reduce or control risks related to the sale and service of alcohol beverages.

While in no way can this publication take the place of a formal training program, we hope it provides suggestions for serving alcohol beverages responsibly and encourages enrollment in a comprehensive and interactive training program.

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How was this guide developed?
The North American Partnership for Responsible Hospitality (NAPRH) is a unique organization dedicated to convening leaders from diverse fields and perspectives to foster a free exchange of ideas to develop creative solutions to common problems. Membership includes representation from the three tiers of the alcohol beverage industry, producer, wholesaler, and retailer: as well as public health, highway safety, regulatory, law enforcement, and community organizations.
Central to the NAPRH is a commitment to maintain a balance of perspectives among its membership and to work towards consensus when decisions are required. Inherent in its structure is the fact that not all of its members agree on all issues. It is this healthy diversity of viewpoints that contributes to the success of the organization. By seeking common ground, members learn from each other and are able to gain new insights and develop new strategies. An example is the development of this guide, evolving over many months. Finding a suitable vocabulary and reaching consensus on the recommendations required discussion, compromise, and a commitment to work through differences.

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What is responsible hospitality?
Hospitality is creating environments to bring people together, to celebrate, to conduct business, and to eat, drink, and socialize. Those who provide hospitality do much more than simply serve their guests, they play an essential role in the formation and development of relationships. In short, "hospitality is building relationships." At the same time, there are many "social" hospitality settings created by employers, community organizations, and people having parties in their homes. One thing most hosts have in common is a desire to see their guests enjoy themselves.

"Hospitality is central to the fabric of community life. Beyond the basic need for food and drink, people seek opportunities to socialize with others, engage in conversation, and form relationships. Because it facilitates the fulfillment of these needs, the hospitality industry is a vital part of any community."

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The drinker and the host, sharing responsibility
Most drink responsibly: For those adults who choose to consume alcohol beverages, most consume them responsibly. They enjoy the taste and the qualities of the beverage and the relaxing effects of alcohol, but limit consumption to avoid health and safety risks.
Many people abstain: For a variety of reasons, including religion, health, family history, or personal preference, many people abstain from the consumption of alcohol beverages or consume them very infrequently. In the United States, more than 40 percent of adults report they abstain.

Some consume irresponsibly: For those who choose to consume alcohol beverages, a small percentage use it in a manner that disproportionately increases risks to the drinker and to the public.

The moment of contact between the host and the guest holds a great opportunity for the prevention of alcohol related problems. The guest and the host share in this responsibility. The guest should know when, where, and how to consume responsibly and the host should create environments to encourage responsible drinking decisions.

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Using this guide
The Common Sense Guide to Responsible Hospitality is an educational tool to be used as a beginning point of discussion about the principles and practices of responsible hospitality. There are many training programs available to provide more detailed information to social and commercial hosts. The NAPRH can assist you in identifying programs in your state.

The service of wine, beer and distilled spirits is often part of hospitality events and occasions. People throughout the world consume these beverages. Associations and agencies working cooperatively from health, highway safety, regulatory, law enforcement and the licensed beverage industry can enhance the quality of life through responsible hospitality.
For more information, contact NAPRH, at 408-438-1404.

 


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North American Partnership for Responsible Hospitality
The Common Sense Guide to Responsible Hospitality

A resource for social and commercial hosts
Designed For:
On-premise establishments
Off-premise establishments
Corporate hosts
Concessionaires
Social/Individual hosts
One-day permit holders
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On-premise establishments
Hospitality is building relationships. People go to bars, restaurants, taverns, and night clubs to be with people. Most on-premise licensed establishments recognize the importance of accommodating the needs of all guests and preventing service of alcohol beverages to underage or intoxicated persons. More choices, including food, entertainment, and a variety of beverages will satisfy the needs of more people and may result in more profitable businesses.
Suggestions for responsible hospitality:
· Voluntarily participate in responsible server/retailer training programs.
· Promote your establishment as a safe, social, and enjoyable gathering place for everyone regardless of beverage of choice.
· Avoid promotions, advertisements, and practices that encourage overconsumption.
· Develop and provide to each employee written policies describing accepted company practices that promote a safe, social, and pleasant environment.
· Educate employees to the rules and regulations, civil liabilities, and criminal statutes governing the service of alcohol in your jurisdiction.
· Observe laws regarding server age.
· Develop policies and practices that prohibit the sale of alcohol beverages to underage persons and to adults who would furnish alcohol to the underage.
· Develop policies and practices that discourage the sale of alcohol beverages to impaired adults and prohibit the sale of alcohol to intoxicated adults.
· Promote awareness of serving size and alcohol content through policies and practices. Whenever a server is in doubt of the age of a patron, require the patron to present valid identification.
· Publicize your alcohol policies in visible locations (e.g. We ID). As a good business practice make alcohol free beverages available whenever alcohol beverages are served.
· When possible, encourage consumption of high-protein and low-salt foods that slow the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream.
· Arrange alternative transportation for alcohol-impaired customers.
· Make available treatment information/referral assistance to employees whose work performance may be impaired by an alcohol or drug problem.

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Off-premise establishments
Increasing competition and a shift in the public's drinking patterns are creating new opportunities for off-premise licensees. Party planning often begins at the point of purchase, and the store's staff can help customers plan events. They can assist in selecting the proper beverages to complement food, offer a complete selection of quality adult alternatives, and provide information on responsible hospitality. Important to achieving these goals is recognizing their responsibility to the public, especially controlling access to alcohol beverages by underage persons.
Suggestions for responsible hospitality:
· Voluntarily participate in responsible beverage server/retailer training programs.
· Develop and provide to each employee written policies describing accepted company practices that promote a safe environment.
· Educate employees to the rules and regulations, civil liabilities, and criminal statutes governing the service of alcohol beverages in your jurisdiction.
· Develop policies and practices that prohibit the sale of alcohol beverages to underage persons and to adults who would furnish alcohol to the underage.
· Develop policies and practices that discourage the sale of alcohol beverages to impaired adults and prohibit the sale of alcohol beverages to intoxicated adults.
· Whenever a seller is in doubt of the age of the patron, require patrons to present valid identification.
· Publicize your alcohol policies in visible locations (e.g., We ID).
· Provide information to customers when purchasing kegs of beer or other alcohol for group events, advising them of the laws regarding furnishing alcohol to underage persons.
· Observe laws regarding server age.
· Make available treatment information/referral assistance to employees whose work performance may be impaired by an alcohol or drug problem.

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Corporate hosts
When corporations provide entertainment for clients or employees, they are faced with host responsibility and liability. There are many strategies to create a safe and enjoyable event to develop better relations with clients and staff while reducing the risk of injury and liability.
Suggestions for responsible hospitality:
· Avoid making alcohol beverage consumption the focus of the event.
· Develop policies and practices that discourage the sale or dispensing of alcohol to impaired adults and prohibit the sale or dispensing of alcohol to intoxicated adults.
· Develop policies and practices that prohibit the sale or distribution of alcohol beverages to underage persons and to adults who would furnish alcohol to the underage.
· Publicize your alcohol policies frequently before and during your event (e.g., We ID).
· Be aware of alcohol regulations and host liability.
· Ensure adequate staffing to oversee the event.
· Designate an individual(s) to be responsible for the serving of alcohol beverages and promote recognition of serving size through policies and practices thus reducing risk.
· Educate servers to the rules and regulations, civil liabilities, and criminal statutes governing the service of alcohol in your jurisdiction.
· Use servers of legal drinking age to serve alcohol beverages.
· When a server is in doubt as to the age of a guest, require valid identification before serving alcohol.
· Monitor guests' consumption of alcohol beverages.
· Provide food in waves to encourage the consumption of high-protein and low-salt foods that slow the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream.
· Promote alcohol free beverages whenever alcohol beverages are served.
· At least one hour before the end of the event, stop alcohol service and provide alcohol free beverages with food such as desserts.
· Arrange alternative transportation for alcohol-impaired drivers.
· Make available treatment information/referral assistance to employees whose work performance may be impaired by an alcohol or drug problem.

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Concessionaires
The thought of controlling alcohol service to large groups at stadiums and events can appear overwhelming. A safe and enjoyable environment can be created by planning and focusing on service at the point of contact between customer and server.
Suggestions for responsible hospitality:
· Voluntarily participate in responsible server/retailer/management training programs.
· Promote your facility as a safe, social, and enjoyable gathering place for everyone regardless of beverage of choice.
· Avoid promotions, advertisements, and practices that encourage overconsumption.
· Develop policies and practices that prohibit the sale of alcohol beverages to underage persons and to adults who would furnish alcohol to the underage.
· Develop policies and practices that discourage the sale of alcohol beverages to impaired adults and prohibit the sale of alcohol to intoxicated adults.
· Develop and provide to each employee written policies describing accepted company practices that promote a safe, social, and enjoyable environment.
· Educate employees to the rules and regulations, civil liabilities, and criminal statutes governing the service of alcohol in your jurisdiction.
· Promote awareness of a serving size and alcohol content through policies and practices.
· Set a limit for drinks per person, per purchase.
· Publicize your alcohol policies in visible locations (e.g., We ID).
· Whenever a server/seller is in doubt of the age of a patron, require the patron to present valid identification.
· As a good business practice promote alcohol free beverages whenever alcohol beverages are served.
· When possible, encourage consumption of high-protein and low-salt foods that slow the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream.
· Ensure that servers/sellers do not consume alcohol while working.
· Stop the service of alcohol well in advance of the end of the event.
· Promote alternative transportation for alcohol-impaired customers.
· Monitor parking areas to stop tailgate drinking prior to driving.
· Make available treatment information/referral assistance to employees whose work performance may be impaired by an alcohol or drug problem. social/individual hosts

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Social/individual hosts
How will you feel in the morning? Planning an event for relatives or friends means recognizing you are hosting the event because you care about the people you invited. Nothing ruins a relationship faster than the inappropriate behavior of someone who drinks too much at a party. Keep your friends and family safe and healthy by being a responsible host.
Suggestions for responsible hospitality:
· Avoid making alcohol beverage consumption the focus of your party.
· Be aware of social host liabilities that in many states hold the host liable for the actions of an intoxicated guest.
· Be a good role model.
· Designate an individual(s) to be responsible for the serving of alcohol and promote recognition of serving size and alcohol content to reduce risk.
· Prohibit the sale or service of alcohol beverages to underage persons.
· Discourage the distribution of alcohol beverages to impaired adults and prohibit the distribution of alcohol beverages to intoxicated adults.
· Monitor guests' consumption of alcohol beverages.
· Make alcohol free beverages available whenever alcohol beverages are served.
· Provide food in waves to encourage the consumption of high-protein, low-salt foods that slow the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream.
· At least one hour before the end of the party, stop alcohol service and provide alcohol free beverages with food such as desserts.
· Use servers of legal drinking age to serve alcohol beverages.
· When underage people will be attending the event, involve them in planning alternative activities.
· Arrange alternative transportation and/or lodging for guests who may become alcohol impaired.

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One-day permit holders
With government cutbacks and dwindling resources, many non-profit and community groups are organizing special events, fairs, and festivals to generate funding. Having clear and consistent policies can reduce the risk and assist the inexperienced and untrained volunteers in controlling intoxication and youth access to alcohol. This may be achieved by offering more choices, including food, entertainment, and a variety of beverages.
Suggestions for responsible hospitality:
· Avoid making alcohol beverage consumption the focus of the event. For beer, distilled spirits, and wine tastings, hosts should limit quantities and encourage food consumption.
· Avoid promotions, advertisements, and practices that encourage overconsumption.
· Prominently publicize your alcohol policies before and during the event.
· Develop policies and practices that prohibit the sale of alcohol beverages to underage persons and to adults who would furnish alcohol to underage persons.
· Develop policies and practices that discourage the sale of alcohol beverages to impaired adults and prohibit the sale of alcohol to intoxicated adults.
· Be aware of social host liabilities that in many states hold the host liable for the actions of an intoxicated guest.
· Use servers of legal drinking age to serve alcohol beverages.
· Ensure adequate staffing to oversee the event and prevent pass-offs to the underage.
· Designate an individual(s) to be responsible for the serving of alcohol and promote recognition of serving size and alcohol content to reduce risk.
· Set limits for drinks per person and per service.
· Educate servers to the rules and regulations, civil liabilities, and criminal statutes governing the service of alcohol in your jurisdiction.
· Require patrons to present valid identification.
· Monitor guests' consumption of alcohol beverages.
· Encourage consumption of high-protein and low-salt foods that slow the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream and ensure availability throughout the event.
· Make alcohol free beverages available whenever alcohol beverages are served.
· Stop the service of alcohol well in advance of the end of the event.
· Arrange alternative transportation for alcohol-impaired drivers.

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Recommendations
In the spirit of partnership among public, private and government sectors, the following recommend the use of The Common Sense Guide to Responsible Hospitality for informing hosts. The North American Partnership for Responsible Hospitality (NAPRH) welcomes the support and recognition of other organizations in recommending the use of The Common Sense Guide to Responsible Hospitality. Call 408.438.1404 to have your name added to this list.
Private Industry Trade and Professional Associations:
National Association of Beverage Retailers (NABR)
National Association of Catering Executives (NACE)
National Licensed Beverage Association (NLBA)
The Century Council
Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America, Inc. (WSWA)
Public Organizations:
Community Anti-drug Coalitions of America
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
National Association of Prevention Professionals and Advocates (NAPPA)
National Commission Against Drunk Driving (NCADD)
Government Agencies and Associations:
Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP)
Executive Office of the President-Office of National Drug Control Policy
Liquor Licence Board of Ontario (LLBO)
Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO)
National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA)
National Association of Governors' Highway Safety Representatives (NAGHSR)
National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors (NASADAD)
National Conference of State Liquor Administrators (NCSLA)
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
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Acknowledgements
The following organizations provided funding to support the development of The Common Sense Guide to Responsible Hospitality:
- National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
- National Commission Against Drunk Driving
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

The following individuals donated their time and participated on the committee drafting The Common Sense Guide to Responsible Hospitality. The members believe it is the diversity of perspectives represented on the committee and the process of reaching consensus on the language of the document that is their greatest achievement.
Terrance Schiavone
Facilitator and Recorder
National Commission Against Drunk Driving
Nancy Chase
Center for Substance Abuse Prevention
Peter O'Rourke
The Century Council
Alan Piercy
National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
David Dickerson
WSWA

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