Smart Serve for servers

Do servers need Smart Serve?

Yes, if you take orders for alcohol or serve it. The AGCO’s training standard covers anyone involved in the sale or service of liquor, or in taking liquor orders. You must be at least 18 to sell or serve alcohol.

What it means at the table

• ID: even if the door checked, you’re responsible for who you serve. Ask anyone who appears under 19.
• Families: minors can eat with their families, but can’t be served or have alcohol. Parents can’t share their wine with their kids in a restaurant.
• Intoxication: watch for signs as you check in on tables, and slow things down with food and water before it gets to a cut-off.
• Leftover wine: you can reseal an opened bottle of commercially made wine for the guest to take home, unless the guest is or appears intoxicated.
• Takeout: liquor with a food order must leave with the food, in a securely closed container, between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m.

If you’re 18

You can serve and carry alcohol at work, but you can’t drink it until 19, including after your shift on the premises.

Why it matters to you

Serving someone to the point of danger can make the seller liable if that guest later hurts someone (LLCA, s. 52), and violations can put your employer’s licence at risk. The training exists to keep guests, you and your workplace safe.

Practise with the full Smart Serve practice test or the ID quiz.