Signs of Intoxication
Recognizing when a patron is intoxicated is one of the most critical skills for any server. This section covers physical, behavioral, and cognitive signs of intoxication, factors that affect alcohol absorption, and how to monitor patrons throughout their visit. Mastering this topic is essential for both the exam and real-world service.
Study Guide: Signs of Intoxication
Review these sample questions before starting the practice test.
Q1: Which of the following is a physical sign of intoxication?
- A. Bloodshot or glassy eyes ✓
- B. Speaking clearly
- C. Sitting quietly
- D. Ordering food
Bloodshot or glassy eyes are a common physical sign of intoxication. Other signs include flushed face, poor coordination, and unsteady gait.
Q2: What is a behavioral sign of intoxication?
- A. Politely placing an order
- B. Reading a menu carefully
- C. Becoming increasingly loud and argumentative ✓
- D. Leaving a generous tip
Becoming increasingly loud, argumentative, or aggressive is a behavioral sign of intoxication. Other signs include reduced inhibitions and inappropriate behavior.
Q3: Slurred speech is a sign of which stage of intoxication?
- A. Sober
- B. Mildly relaxed
- C. Clearly intoxicated ✓
- D. Not related to alcohol
Slurred speech is a clear sign of intoxication and indicates that alcohol has significantly affected the central nervous system and motor control.
Q4: Which factor can increase the rate of intoxication?
- A. Being in a well-lit room
- B. Eating a large meal before drinking
- C. Drinking water between alcoholic drinks
- D. Drinking on an empty stomach ✓
Drinking on an empty stomach increases the rate of alcohol absorption, leading to faster intoxication. Food slows down the absorption of alcohol.
Q5: A patron has difficulty counting money and keeps dropping coins. What does this suggest?
- A. They need smaller denominations
- B. They are showing signs of impaired coordination due to intoxication ✓
- C. They have a hand injury
- D. They are in a hurry
Difficulty with fine motor tasks like counting money or handling coins is a sign of impaired coordination, which is a clear indicator of intoxication.
Q6: Which of the following is NOT a sign of intoxication?
- A. Loss of balance
- B. Rambling or repetitive speech
- C. Reading a newspaper ✓
- D. Excessive sweating
Reading a newspaper is normal behavior and not a sign of intoxication. Loss of balance, sweating, and repetitive speech are all potential signs.
Q7: Why is it important to monitor patrons throughout their visit, not just when they order?
- A. To keep the establishment busy
- B. It is not important
- C. To increase drink sales
- D. Because intoxication can develop gradually over time ✓
Intoxication develops gradually. A patron may appear fine when ordering but become intoxicated between orders as previously consumed alcohol takes effect.
Q8: A patron's mood changes rapidly from happy to angry to sad. This is a sign of:
- A. Normal social behavior
- B. Intoxication affecting emotional regulation ✓
- C. Fatigue
- D. A personality disorder
Rapid mood swings are a behavioral sign of intoxication. Alcohol impairs the brain's ability to regulate emotions, leading to unpredictable mood changes.
Ready to practice all 51 questions? Start the interactive quiz below.