Module 1 – Introduction to Responsible Alcohol Service
• What is responsible alcohol service?
• Why responsible service matters
• The role of alcohol servers and sellers
• Legal and ethical responsibilities
• Protecting customers and staff
• Creating a safe environment
• Consequences of irresponsible service
• Employee responsibilities
• Employer and management responsibilities
Module 2 – Alcohol & Its Effects
• What is alcohol?
• How alcohol affects the body
• Factors that influence intoxication
• Alcohol strength and serving sizes
• Pace of drinking
• Food and alcohol
• Individual differences
• Signs of increasing intoxication
• Risks associated with excessive consumption
• Understanding responsible consumption
Module 3 – Irish Alcohol Laws & Licensing
• Overview of Irish alcohol legislation
• Intoxicating Liquor Acts
• Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018
• Licensing requirements
• Licensed premises
• Rules relating to the sale and supply of alcohol
• Permitted trading and serving hours – awareness
• Licence conditions
• Responsibilities of staff working on licensed premises
• Role of management and licence holders
• Consequences of non-compliance
Irish law controls the sale and supply of alcohol, and alcohol may only be sold by appropriately licensed businesses.
Module 4 – Age Verification & Preventing Underage Sales
• Legal age for purchasing alcohol in Ireland
• Why age verification is important
• When to request identification
• Acceptable proof of age
• Garda Age Card awareness
• Checking identification carefully
• Recognising fake or questionable identification
• Refusing a sale where age cannot be verified
• Proxy purchasing awareness
• Preventing adults from purchasing alcohol for minors
• Handling difficult situations professionally
In Ireland, a person must be 18 or over to buy alcohol, and serving alcohol to someone under 18 is an offence.
Module 5 – Recognising Intoxication
• What is intoxication?
• Understanding drunkenness
• Early signs of intoxication
• Changes in speech
• Changes in coordination
• Changes in behaviour
• Aggressive or inappropriate behaviour
• Difficulty standing or walking
• Confusion and impaired judgement
• Recognising escalating intoxication
• Monitoring customers appropriately
• Understanding individual differences
Module 6 – Refusing Alcohol Service
• When should alcohol service be refused?
• Refusing service to an intoxicated person
• Refusing service where age cannot be verified
• Staying calm and professional
• Using clear and respectful language
• Avoiding confrontation
• Explaining the reason for refusal
• Involving a supervisor or manager
• Dealing with aggressive customers
• Protecting staff and other customers
• Recording incidents where required
• Following workplace procedures
It is an offence in Ireland to supply alcohol to a person who is intoxicated to a degree that may make them a danger to themselves or others.
Module 7 – Responsible Serving Practices
• Monitoring alcohol consumption
• Avoiding irresponsible promotions
• Appropriate serving practices
• Understanding standard drinks
• Avoiding rapid or excessive service
• Providing water and non-alcoholic options
• Encouraging responsible consumption
• Monitoring customer behaviour
• Supporting vulnerable customers
• Working as a team
• Communicating with colleagues
• Following management procedures
Module 8 – Managing Difficult Situations
• Dealing with intoxicated customers
• Handling refusal of service
• Aggressive or abusive behaviour
• Dealing with groups
• Managing conflict
• Staying professional under pressure
• Calling a supervisor or manager
• When to involve security
• When to contact emergency services
• Protecting staff and customers
• Incident reporting
• Practical workplace scenarios
Module 9 – Creating a Safe & Responsible Environment
• Maintaining a safe licensed premises
• Preventing excessive drinking
• Responsible customer service
• Monitoring the premises
• Preventing underage access
• Preventing disorderly behaviour
• Supporting colleagues
• Good communication
• Maintaining records
• Following company policies
• Supporting a positive customer experience
• Building a culture of responsible alcohol service
Final Assessment
Assessment Structure
• Multiple-choice questions
• Questions covering the key areas of the course
• Knowledge checks throughout the modules
• Age verification scenarios
• Intoxication scenarios
• Refusal-of-service scenarios
• Final assessment upon completion
Pass Mark
70%
Failure Handling
If a learner does not achieve the required pass mark, they can:
• Review the relevant course modules
• Revisit the learning material
• Retake the assessment
• Up to 3 assessment attempts
