RBS Exam Answers

What is RBS?

• Definition: Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) refers to the set of best practices and protocols employed by establishments and servers to ensure that alcoholic beverages are served in a manner that prioritizes the safety of individuals and the broader community.
• Need for RBS: Alcohol, when misused or over-consumed, can lead to adverse effects on an individual’s health, impair judgment, and lead to situations that risk public safety. This places a considerable responsibility on those who serve alcohol to do so with care and prudence.
• Benefits of RBS:
  • Safety: Reduced instances of alcohol-related harm, including DUIs, accidents, and alcohol poisoning.
  • Legal Protection: Compliance with local laws and regulations, reducing potential legal consequences.
  • Business Reputation: Establishments known for responsible serving practices can build trust within their communities and among patrons, ultimately benefiting the bottom line.

Responsibility Beyond the Bar Counter: Serving alcohol is not just a mere task of filling glasses; it holds a significant responsibility to ensure that alcohol is consumed safely and responsibly.

• Health Implications: Overconsumption of alcohol can lead to immediate health risks, including accidents, alcohol poisoning, and long-term health issues such as addiction or liver disease. Ensuring responsible service minimizes these risks.
• Customer Trust: Patrons trust servers to guide them in their alcohol consumption. Responsible service builds and maintains that trust.
• Business Implications: Establishments that adhere to responsible serving practices face fewer legal issues, reduce liabilities, and maintain a positive reputation.

Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Exam Answers

Question	Options	Answer
Which neighborhood quality of life issue is most affected by the overuse of alcohol?	a. property values b. noise c. traffic congestion d. homelessness	B. Noise
Irresponsible alcohol sales in a community typically lead to an increase in	a. calls to law enforcement. b. home values c. car and home insurance rates. d. drug overdoses.	A. Call to law enforcement
Which symptom is associated with alcohol-impaired driving?	a. increased heart rate b. breathing difficulties c. reduced coordination d. hearing loss	C. Reduced coordination
A person may experience very harmful effects when mixing alcohol with	a. recreational or illegal drugs. b. caffeine. c. fatty foods. d. nicotine.	A. recreational or illegal drugs
What is the best way to sober up an intoxicated person?	a. fresh air b. cold shower c. drinking lots of water d. only time will sober up an intoxicated person	D. only time will sober up an intoxicated person
What does “BAC” mean?	a. basic alcohol course b. blood alcohol concentration c. business alcohol control d. beverage alcohol consumption	B. blood alcohol concentration
Which statement is true regarding people with a high tolerance to alcohol?	a. they are better at hiding their intoxication b. their bodies eliminate the alcohol from their systems more quickly c. their decision making ability is rarely impaired by alcohol d. they are immune to getting drunk	A. they are better at hiding their intoxication
Intoxication can occur with as little as _____ drinks.	a.1 b.3 c. 2 d.4	C. 2
A patron staggers when walking. The patron may be exhibiting	a. slowed reaction times. b. signs of being intoxicated. c. slow and deliberate movements. d. relaxed inhibitions.	B. signs of being intoxicated
Approximately how many standard drinks can the human body metabolize in one hour?	a. 2 b.3 c.4 d.1	D. 1
What is the primary purpose of ABC’s T.R.A.C. E. program?	a. educate young people of the dangers of drinking and driving b. identify businesses with uncertified alcohol servers c. educate alcohol servers on the signs of intoxication d. identify and investigate where persons under 21 years of age obtained alcohol and who was killed or obtained serious injury or accident	D. identify and investigate where persons under 21 years of age obtained alcohol and who was killed or obtained serious injury or accident
A person with a BAC of 0.05 percent	a. can safely operate a motor vehicle without incident. b. is always capable of rational decision making. c. can be arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. d. is never considered legally impaired.	C. can be arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol
When can a 19-year old legally serve alcoholic beverages in a restaurant?	a. when the server’s primary responsibilities is to serve food b. when the server is a child or stepchild of the licensee c. never d. when being supervised by someone over the age of 21	D. when being supervised by someone over the age of 21
Which type of cannabis use is legal at an onsite alcohol establishment?	a. smoking b. edibles c. use of cannabis products are not permitted in onsite alcohol establishments d. vaping	C. use of cannabis products are not permitted in onsite alcohol establishments
A non-profit organization has obtained a temporary daily on-sale license for a fundraiser. Who within the organization has to be RBS certified?	a. a designated person b. the alcohol servers c. the owner d. the alcohol pourers	D. the alcohol pourers
The failure of a licensee to comply with the RBS program requirements shall be grounds for	a. criminal action. b. disciplinary action. c. mandatory jail time. d. civil action	B. disciplinary action
Security personnel, whose post is located outside the entrance to an alcohol establishment, has the primary responsibility to control the number of patrons entering and to check their IDs. Does the bouncer need to be certified?	a. No, because the security personnel’s post is not located within the establishment. b. Yes, because security personnel check IDs. c. No, because security personnel does not pour or serve alcohol. d. Yes, because all employees of an alcohol establishment must be certified.	B. Yes, because security personnel check IDs
Giving alcohol to a person under 21 years of age is classified as a(n)	a. misdemeanor. b. infraction. c. felony. d. violation.	A. misdemeanor
Which administrative penalty can be imposed against a retail licensee that knowingly permitted the illegal sale, or negotiations for the sales, of controlled substances or dangerous drugs upon his or her licensed premises?	a. civil damages not to exceed $1,000 b. up to revocation of license c. six months in jail d. $1,000 fine	C. six months in jail
Any licensee under an on-sale license issued for public premises who permits a person under the age of 21 years to enter and remain in the licensed premises without lawful business therein is guilty of a(n)	a. misdemeanor. b. infraction. c. violation. d. felony:	A. Misdemeanor
What should you do if a patron arrives at your establishment and is already obviously intoxicated?	a don’t serve the patron alcohol b. serve the patron no more than one alcoholic drink c. seat the patron and then ignore them d. tell them to go for a walk	A. don’t serve the patron alcohol
A legally acceptable ID has which characteristic?	a. residential address b. issued by a government agency c. city of birth d. serial number	B. issued by a government agency
Which statement regarding state issued identification cards is true?	a. they are not issued to residents under 21 years-of-age b. they are only valid for one year c. they are a valid proof of age d. they can’t be altered	C. they are a valid proof of age
PCP is an example of a(n)	a. stimulant. b. antidepressant. c. hallucinogen. d. depressant.	C. hallucinogen

Which substance is considered a depressant?	a. barbiturates b. cocaine c. nicotine d. caffeine	a. Barbiturates
What is printed on the holder’s picture on a California Real ID?	a. their driver license number b. the State Seal c. a bear d. an outline of the state	c. A bear
Which feature is added to a California-issued ID to indicate the holder is under 21 years of age?	a. The words “Age 21 in” a specific year<br> b. The words “No Alcohol Permitted” across the bottom<br> c. a hologram<br> d. raised photograph	a. The words “Age 21 in” a specific year
Terry was born on December 17, 1999. When will Terry be able to purchase alcohol?	a. December 17, 2019 b. December 17, 2021 c. December 17, 2022 d. December 17, 2020	d. December 17, 2020
Lynn was born on November 30, 1999. When will Lynn be able to purchase alcohol?	a. November 30, 2020 b. November 30, 2021 c. November 30, 2022 d. November 30, 2023	a. November 30, 2020
What is the most valid reason for refusing service to a patron?	a. the patron appears sad and depressed b. the patron appears to be pregnant c. the patron requests service outside of the hours of operation d. the patron’s clothes are old and dirty	c. the patron requests service outside of the hours of operation
An alcohol server confiscates a fake ID at 6:00 p.m. on a Thursday. When must the fake ID be turned over to local law enforcement authorities?	a. by close of business that night b. before 6:00 p.m. on Friday c. by midnight (within six hours) d. before noon on Friday	b. before 6:00 p.m. on Friday
Which type of light is best for checking the security features of a California issued ID or Driver License?	a. UV b. CFL c. neon d. LED	a. UV
Which technique is best for determining the validity of an ID?	a. scratch the surface of the ID with your fingernail b. view the ID under a heat lamp c. verify the information on the card by asking the ID holder questions d. ask the ID holder how old they are	c. verify the information on the card by asking the ID holder questions
Val is attempting to buy Terry another alcoholic drink, however, Terry does not want another drink. What should the server do?	a. do not advocate for continued service for Terry b. offer Terry a reduced cost for the drink c. bring the drink anyway since Val ordered the drink, not Terry d. stop service to both Terry and Val	a. do not advocate for continued service for Terry
When refusing alcohol service to a patron, the server should do so	a. loudly. b. apologetically. c. passively. d. courteously.	d. courteously.
Which form of ID is NOT acceptable for determining a person’s age?	a. Student Registration Card b. Out-of-State driver license c. Armed Forces Identification Card d. Passport from a foreign country	a. Student Registration Card
When is a work-issued ID valid for purchasing alcohol?	a. when the employer is located in California b. when the ID lists the name, age, and address of the holder c. when it contains a picture of the ID holder d. never	d. never

A youthful appearing patron presents an expired ID and wants to purchase alcohol. Based on best practices, what should the server do?	a. serve the patron alcohol and ask that he/she bring in another ID next time b. serve the patron and record the incident into the establishment’s log c. accept the ID as valid and serve the patron d. tell the patron that you cannot serve him/her alcohol	d. tell the patron that you cannot serve him/her alcohol
A server has some doubts that an ID is valid. What should the server do?	a. assume the ID is valid and serve the patron b. have another server wait on the patron c. confiscate the ID for local law enforcement d. refuse service to the patron	d. refuse service to the patron
Which is an indicator of a false ID?	a. creases on the surface of the card b. bar code on the backside c. ghost image of the photograph d. raised letters on the face	a. creases on the surface of the card
An administrative violation occurs on an ABC licensed premises, ___________ of that premises is at risk for administrative penalties.	a. the manager b. the license c. all employees on duty d. a patron	B. The license
An establishment’s internal RBS policies should be reviewed for relevance and accuracy	a. when there are frequent incidents of violence or illegal activity requiring peace officer assistance. b. whenever a patron becomes intoxicated and requires alternate transportation arrangements c. every time a new employee is hired d. weekly.	a. when there are frequent incidents of violence or illegal activity requiring peace officer assistance.
When an obviously intoxicated patron decides to leave your establishment, what best practice should you observe?	a. Inform law enforcement of the potential intoxicated driver. b. Suggest the patron use a ride service to get to his/her next destination. c. Insist the patron remain until he/she sobers up. d. Do nothing, the patron is free to do as he/she pleases.	b. Suggest the patron use a ride service to get to his/her next destination.
Which alcohol promotion is permitted in California?	a. free shots before 8:00 pm b. ladies’ night c. happy hour d. two for one drink specials	C. Happy hour
When you cease alcohol service to a patron you should immediately	a. ask them to leave the premises. b. notify your manager and coworkers. c. report the incident to local law enforcement. d. arrange for their alternate transportation.	b. notify your manager and coworkers
How can the licensee check if a person is RBS certified?	a. Collect a copy of the person’s state issued driver license or identification card and keep it in a binder. b. Ask for the person’s certification number and look it up in the ABC RBS database. c. The licensee or designated person does not need to check for RBS certification. d. Ask the person and trust them when they say they are certified.	b. Ask for the person’s certification number and look it up in the ABC RBS database
Frequent calls for service to local law enforcement by an on-premises licensee may result in	a. positive Yelp reviews. b. suspension of alcohol license. c. increased revenue. d. support from the community	b. suspension of alcohol license.
What does “ABV” mean?	a. alcohol blood volume b. alcohol beverage volume c. alcohol blood verification d. alcohol by volume	d. alcohol by volume
Which of these is not a policy for monitoring the behavior of minors seeking alcohol service?	a. minors finding secluded locations in the premises where employees cannot monitor their activities b. minors taking alcoholic beverages from other patron’s tables while they are not looking c. minors talking about their high school days d. minors asking other patrons to buy alcoholic beverages for them	c. minors talking about their high school days
What information should be documented in an incident log?	a number of patrons served alcoholic beverages b. arrival and departure times for large groups of patrons c. seizure of patron’s ID. d. names and addresses of intoxicated patrons	c. seizure of patron’s ID
Which crime is often related to alcohol use?		sexual assault
Whose responsibility is it to act as gatekeeper in regard to the community’s ability to obtain alcohol in public establishments?		the alcohol server
Which condition is associated with alcohol-impaired driving?		Impaired judgment
When alcohol is mixed with __ the side effects can range from discomfort to death.		medications or recreational drugs

The Overarching Goal: Public Safety and Well-being

Beyond Business – A Commitment to Society

• Shared Responsibility: While the primary responsibility of consumption lies with the individual, servers and establishments play a crucial role in shaping the drinking environment and influencing behaviors.
• The Multiplier Effect: A single act of responsible service can prevent a cascade of potential adverse outcomes. For instance, denying service to an overly intoxicated patron can prevent a potential DUI or accident later in the evening.
• Promoting Healthy Drinking Cultures: RBS isn’t just about preventing harm; it’s also about promoting positive drinking cultures where patrons can enjoy their beverages in moderation and in safe environments.
• Community Engagement: Establishments practicing RBS often engage with their communities in various ways, from hosting events that promote safe drinking to collaborating with local law enforcement and community leaders. This fosters a sense of partnership and shared responsibility in ensuring the safety and well-being of all.

Embracing Responsible Beverage Service is not merely a legal or business obligation but a moral one. By understanding the significant role they play in the larger community, establishments and servers can make choices that positively influence their patrons, ensuring that every drink poured is done so with care, consideration, and a commitment to public well-being.

Understanding Alcohol

Types of Alcoholic Beverages

The Broad Spectrum of Alcoholic Drinks

• Beer: A fermented beverage made from barley, hops, water, and yeast. Common varieties include lager, ale, stout, and pilsner.
• Wine: Made from fermented grapes or other fruits. Main types are red, white, rosé, and sparkling. Each type can have various subcategories based on grape variety and region.
• Spirits: Distilled alcoholic beverages. They have a higher ABV compared to beer or wine. Examples include vodka, whiskey, rum, gin, tequila, and brandy.
• Liqueurs: Sweetened spirits infused with flavors such as fruits, herbs, or spices. Examples are Bailey’s, Grand Marnier, and Amaretto.
• Others: Ciders (fermented from apples), sake (rice wine), fortified wines like port or sherry, and newer beverages like hard seltzers.

Alcohol by Volume (ABV) and its Significance

Quantifying Alcohol Content

• Definition: ABV represents the percentage of alcohol (ethanol) in a beverage compared to the total volume. For instance, a drink with an ABV of 5% contains 5% alcohol and 95% other components.
• Significance:
  • Potency: Helps consumers gauge the strength of their drink.
  • Consumption Choices: Allows individuals to make informed decisions about how much they can drink based on their tolerance or intentions.
  • Regulations: In many regions, taxation and regulations might be based on ABV.

Standard Drink Measurements and Differences Across Beverage Types

What Constitutes a “Standard” Drink?

• Definition: A standard drink represents the amount of beverage containing a fixed amount of pure alcohol. This varies by country but is typically around 10-14 grams of pure alcohol.
• Examples:
  • Beer: One standard drink is often 12 ounces of beer with about 5% ABV.
  • Wine: It’s typically 5 ounces of wine with about 12% ABV.
  • Spirits: Generally, 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits, like vodka or whiskey, with about 40% ABV.
• Importance: Understanding standard drinks helps individuals track their alcohol intake and ensures servers pour consistent amounts.

Rate of Alcohol Metabolism and Influential Factors

How the Body Processes Alcohol

• Basic Metabolism: On average, the human liver can metabolize roughly one standard drink per hour. However, this rate can vary considerably.
• Factors Influencing Metabolism:
  • Body Weight and Composition: Larger individuals might metabolize alcohol more efficiently.
  • Gender: Due to differences in body composition and enzymes, women often metabolize alcohol differently than men.
  • Age: Metabolism generally slows with age.
  • Food Intake: Consuming alcohol with food can slow its absorption.
  • Medications and Health: Certain medicines or health conditions can influence how one processes alcohol.
  • Tolerance: Regular drinkers might metabolize alcohol slightly faster, but this does not mean effects are lessened.

The Law and Alcohol Service

Legal Drinking Age by Region

Global Differences in Drinking Age

• North America:
  • USA: Generally 21, though some states may have nuances concerning possession or private consumption.
  • Canada: Either 18 or 19, depending on the province or territory.
• Europe: Varies widely, from 16 in countries like Germany (for beer and wine) to 18 or 20 in others.
• Asia: Ranges from 18 to 25, with some countries having religious or cultural restrictions on alcohol consumption.
• Oceania:
  • Australia and New Zealand: 18
• Africa: Varies by country, from 18 to 21 in many nations.
• South America: Generally 18, though it might differ based on beverage type in some nations.

It’s crucial for beverage servers to familiarize themselves with local laws and any variances that might exist within specific regions or cities.

Legal Limits for Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) and its Implications

Defining and Understanding BAC

• BAC Definition: A measure of the amount of alcohol present in a person’s bloodstream, expressed as a percentage.
• Typical Legal Limits:
  • Many countries, such as the US and Canada, have set 0.08% as the legal limit for driving.
  • Some countries have even stricter limits, especially for new or commercial drivers.
• Implications:
  • Driving or operating machinery with a BAC above the legal limit can result in arrest, fines, license suspension, or jail time.
  • Even with a BAC below the legal limit, alcohol can impair judgment and reaction times.

Consequences of Serving Minors or Intoxicated Patrons

The Risks of Non-compliance

• Serving Minors:
  • Hefty fines for the server and the establishment.
  • Suspension or revocation of the establishment’s liquor license.
  • Potential criminal charges for servers or business owners.
• Serving Intoxicated Individuals:
  • Legal liabilities, especially if the intoxicated individual causes harm or damages.
  • Risk of violent or unpredictable behavior in the establishment.
  • Increased likelihood of alcohol poisoning or other health complications for the patron.

Liability of Beverage Servers and Venues

Understanding the Duty of Care

• Server Liability: Servers can be held liable if they provide alcohol to someone visibly intoxicated or someone they should have known was intoxicated.
• Establishment Liability: The venue can be held responsible for the actions of its employees, and also for not providing adequate training or clear policies around responsible beverage service.
• Dram Shop Laws: In some regions, laws might allow victims of drunk drivers to sue establishments that served the intoxicated individual.
• Protective Measures: Many venues carry liability insurance to protect against lawsuits. However, the best protection is consistent, responsible service and ongoing training.

Ongoing Training and Development

Importance of Regular Refresher Courses and Training Updates

Staying Updated in a Dynamic Environment

• Evolving Laws and Regulations: Alcohol laws and service regulations may change over time due to policy shifts, societal demands, or observed trends. Regular training ensures that servers and establishments remain compliant.
• Maintaining Skills: Like any skill, responsible beverage service practices can diminish if not regularly practiced or reviewed. Refresher courses help reinforce these skills.
• Addressing Knowledge Gaps: Even seasoned servers can have areas of weakness. Regular training allows for these gaps to be identified and addressed.
• Boosting Confidence: Servers who are well-trained and updated are more confident in making decisions, handling tricky situations, and engaging with customers about their choices.
• Enhancing Establishment Reputation: Venues known for regularly training their staff are seen as more responsible, which can lead to increased patron trust and loyalty.

Engaging with Wider Industry Trends and RBS Best Practices

Being Part of the Bigger Picture

• Networking with Industry Peers: Engaging in industry events, seminars, and conferences can provide insights into what other establishments are doing and allow for the exchange of best practices.
• Subscribing to Industry Publications: Journals, magazines, and online publications often discuss emerging trends, challenges, and innovations in the beverage service sector.
• Digital Platforms and Online Forums: Online communities can be a treasure trove of real-world experiences, advice, and solutions to common challenges faced in the RBS realm.
• Leveraging Technology: New technologies and software solutions are frequently developed to assist in RBS – from digital ID verification systems to apps that help track alcohol consumption. Staying updated with these technologies can enhance service quality and efficiency.
• Feedback Loop: Encouraging feedback from patrons, staff, and local community stakeholders can provide valuable insights into areas of improvement and commendation.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset: The goal is not just to meet industry standards but to strive to set new benchmarks in responsible service. This proactive approach can differentiate an establishment and position it as a leader in the field.