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Interventions Needed To Reduce Sales To Intoxicated Persons

Despite the fact that it is illegal for alcohol establishments to sell alcohol to an obviously intoxicated individual, the practice continues and likely contributes to the many problems linked to high-risk drinking. This study examined the influence of alcohol establishment policies/practices on the likelihood of sales to intoxicated patrons. Researchers hired 14 professional actors (7 males, 7 females) to feign intoxication while attempting to purchase alcohol at 231 Midwestern on-premise establishments (bars and restaurants), and conducted a phone survey of owners/managers at each establishment.

Other variables included policies/practices of the establishments, as well as characteristics of the buyers/servers and establishments. Interestingly, those establishments that held staff meetings at least once a month were less likely to sell to obviously intoxicated patrons. Establishments with beer- and/or wine-only licenses, as well as those with managers who had at least one year of employment, were more likely to sell to obviously intoxicated patrons. These findings suggest more research is needed to determine the best types of intervention to prevent serving patrons who have obviously had enough.

(Lenk, KM, Toomey, TL, Erickson, DJ: Propensity of alcohol establishments to sell to obviously intoxicated patrons. Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research 30:1194-1199, 2006.)

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