Catering & Alcohol
BY DANIEL MEGLY, JUNE 19, 2003

Alcohol, since prohibition, has been a constant companion at social and corporate soirées. Termed the "social lubricant", it lessens inhibitions and increases social interaction. It allows people to drop their guard and connect with others.
Alcohol is central to catered events. Without it, a party is simply not a party. As a guest, liquor service looks easy ("Crack open a cold beer, mate!") But with this service comes responsibility, by-law and liability issues. Hosts and caterers alike are bound by strict obligations, so in essence, there is a lot of work behind this "social lubricant!"

Guest safety is the ultimate issue, and certain procedures are put in place to protect guests at a party. If the event space is not licensed, then a Special Occasions Permit may be necessary (the only time it is unnecessary is if the party is being held on private property or is in a private space not accessible to the public). If your event takes place in a mall, under a tent or at a public venue, you will need to apply for an "S.O.P." at least two weeks prior to the event at the LCBO located in the jurisdiction of the venue. You will be asked to designate someone who will ultimately be present and take responsibility for the event, and will be asked questions about the event itself (i.e. "Are persons under 19 years of age to be admitted?" and "Are you serving homemade wine/beer?"). If you are refused a Special Occasions Permit, you may not serve alcohol!

On the S.O.P., you will also be asked about server training. One way caterers can protect their guests and their clients is to hire only "Smart-Served" staff, who have completed training in responsible drinking. You should have only Smart-Served staff present who will assist your guests to drink responsibly. They will inform the host if they have to "cut off" service to someone who has reached their limit. Often a host will say, "Oh, they're okay, just serve one more." Realize that the servers are present to protect both you as the host and your guests from hurting themselves or others due to intoxication, and the "just one more" could put your guests in danger. They are the sober ones at your party and their judgment is un-impaired. Let them look after you!

Liability is one of the reasons for Smart Service. In recent cases, if an intoxicated guest has been injured or has injured someone else either at a party or after leaving a party, the host/bartender/catering service/restaurant/bar can all share the liability if a lawsuit arises. It has been found in many cases that a bartender who has served to excess is liable for any damages done by the guest following an evening of partying. This is a pretty sobering thought. This explains why caterers at off-premise events are hesitant to take responsibility for your guests.

So once the liability issues have been dealt with:

Caterers do provide bar service, and usually at reasonable rates, offering competitive rates based on consumption, and the service of bringing the alcohol to you, then removing it at the end of the evening, all with a low handling fee. If you have ever supplied alcohol, mixes, garnish, ice, etc. for an event, you know that it's a lot of back-breaking work, as well as the added stress wondering "Have I bought enough?" Caterers provide bar service all the time and are proficient in making sure that they have a sufficient supply. Also, if they find they are running low, they will make a special trip out to supply more liquor, with your permission.

Another issue that can arise is the number of bars you should have set up at your event. Usually, we set up a bar for every 75 to 100 guests, with a bartender ratio of 1 bartender to every 75 guests. What we also suggest is a passed "greeter drink" which will result in shorter queues at the bar and quicker, more efficient service for those who wish an alternate beverage. And please, always make sure you have food around during the event. This is to slow the effects of the liquor on an empty stomach.

Caterers want to provide a wonderful service for your event, but as you can see, it is almost a science, as well as a lot of work! But as we do it all the time, we know what needs to be done and look after all the running around so you, the client, can enjoy you party. Remember, always hired "Smart-Served" staff, and let them take good care of you and your guests!

Cheers!