Thousands of years ago, after discovering what happens to fruits, grains, and vegetables during a
process called fermentation, humans began consuming alcoholic beverages. This discovery led to the
consumption of alcoholic drinks as part of human culture and social activities.
Alcohol content is measured by the percentage of alcohol that is found in a specific volume of liquid. A
volume of liquid is measured in ounces (oz) or millilitres (mL). The original container or bottle will list
the percentage of alcohol. For example, if the alcohol content indicates 12% on a 750 mL
bottle of wine, that means 12% of the 750 mL bottle is pure alcohol.
Alcohol begins to move through the stomach, intestines, and into the bloodstream even as the first
drink is being consumed. Every heartbeat then carries it throughout the body, into tissues and organs
(e.g. the brain).
Since alcohol is a depressant, it slows down the central nervous system and impacts how a person
thinks, acts, and moves. It slows down your brain and makes it harder for you to think
straight.
1. Alcohol is ingested orally through consumption of alcoholic beverages.
2. Absorption of alcohol primarily occurs in the stomach and small intestine, where it enters the
bloodstream.
3. Once absorbed, alcohol is distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream, affecting various
organs and tissues.
4. The liver metabolizes alcohol, breaking it down into different substances such as acetaldehyde
and acetate It acts like a filter, getting rid of harmful stuff in our blood, like alcohol, drugs, and
waste products from our cells. It changes these harmful things into safer ones that we can get rid
of.
5. Metabolism of alcohol occurs at a relatively constant rate, processing about one standard drink
per hour.
6. Elimination of alcohol involves the breakdown products being eliminated from the body through
processes such as excretion in breath, sweat, and urine.
7. Overall, the movement of alcohol in the human body involves absorption, distribution,
metabolism, and elimination, with individual factors influencing the process.
The amount of alcohol in the bloodstream is called Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). BAC is the
amount of alcohol measured in milligrams, found in 100 millilitres of blood. For example, a person with
50 mg of alcohol per 100mL of blood has a BAC of 0.05 (50 mg divided by 100 mL). It is written as gm
per mL.
Alcohol is metabolized more slowly than it is absorbed, therefore each drink consumed will increase the
blood alcohol concentration until the body is able to get rid of it. Approximately 90% of the alcohol
content will be slowly eliminated from the bloodstream. How does the body do this? It has an efficient
system that uses chemicals in the liver to break down (metabolize) the alcohol so that it can be
eliminated from the body at an average rate of one drink per hour. The remaining 10% will be
eliminated through a person's breath, sweat, and urine (@ bus).
The number of drinks consumed, and the speed of consumption are key factors
affecting BAC levels. Consuming more drinks in a shorter period leads to
higher BAC levels. BAC continues to rise even after drinking stops, as alcohol
takes time to enter the bloodstream.
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) continues to rise even after drinking stops due
to the delayed absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream. When alcohol is
consumed, it takes time for it to be absorbed from the stomach and small intestine
into the bloodstream. As a result, there is often a lag between the time alcohol is
consumed and when it reaches peak BAC levels in the bloodstream.
To ensure safe alcohol service:
1. Know your Standard Drink sizes:
Understand standard drink sizes to track alcohol consumption or intake. 5 standard drinks
means this much alcohol.
2. Learn how to read a BAC chart:
Learn to interpret BAC charts to estimate intoxication levels.
3. Monitor how much your guest’s drink:
Monitor guests' behavior for signs of intoxication and intervene accordingly to prevent
overconsumption. In addition to counting drinks, use your observational skills. Watch and
listen to your guests and continue to talk with them throughout their visit to see if they are
showing any signs of intoxication.
Providing a safe and responsible alcohol experience means not serving a customer to the point of
intoxication.
Alcoholic Beverages
There are three general classes of alcohol: beer, wine, and spirits. Examples of spirits are vodka,
gin, rum, tequila, whisky, and brandy. Spirits also include flavoured liqueurs such as Jägermeister,
Kahlua, Amaretto, and many more.
Differences
Alcohol content is measured by the percentage of alcohol that is found in a specific volume of
liquid. A volume of liquid is measured in ounces (oz) or millilitres (mL). There are differences in
the alcohol content found in beer, wine, and spirits.
1. Beer can contain 4.5%, 5%, or even 9% alcohol. (4.5, 5 , 4+5)
2. Wine can contain from 6% to over 15% alcohol. (6, 1+5 = 6)
3. Spirits can contain from 15% to over 40% alcohol.
No matter what type of drink it is—like beer, wine, or spirits—if it contains the same amount of
alcohol, it's considered one standard drink. Just like a ruler helps us measure length, a standard drink
helps us measure alcohol. Each standard drink contains about 0.6 ounces or 17 milliliters of pure
alcohol.
The Standard Drink is a benchmark that can help you estimate the amount of alcohol each customer is
consuming.
When we say the "Standard Drink is a benchmark," we mean it's a reference point or standard against
which we can measure the amount of alcohol someone is consuming. In this context, "benchmark"
means a fixed point or standard that we use for comparison. So, the Standard Drink serves as a reference
point for understanding how much alcohol someone has consumed. For example, if someone has had
two drinks, we can estimate that they've consumed twice the amount of alcohol as one Standard Drink.
This helps us track and measure alcohol consumption in a standardized way, making it easier to monitor
and assess its effects on individuals.
How to Calculate a Standard Drink
60 ÷ alcohol percentage = amount (in ounces)
For example, a drink containing 40% alcohol would require a serving size of
1.5 ounces to be considered a Standard Drink. The calculation is: 60 ÷ 40 =
1.5
SHOT GLASSES:
The bars, restaurants, or other places where alcohol is served have options in the types of glasses they
use for serving drinks.
When it comes to serving shots or shooters (small, concentrated alcoholic
drinks), it's suggested not to use glasses with round bottoms, like vials or
test tubes.
Instead, it's better to use glasses with flat bottoms that can stand on their own
without tipping over. This makes it easier for customers to handle their drinks
safely.
The goal is to provide customers with glasses that allow them to set their drinks
down between sips. This way, they don't feel pressured to drink everything in
one go and can enjoy their drink at their own pace.
While it's easy to calculate the alcohol content of a standard drink, different
establishments may use different types of glasses or pour sizes for serving
drinks. This variability can affect the actual amount of alcohol in a serving, making
it important for establishments to be mindful of their serving practices to ensure
consistency and accuracy.
Mixed drinks may combine more than one type of [Link] – Margarita and
Long Island Iced Tea which are spirits.
How BAC is Measured
Drinking an alcoholic beverage will result in its alcohol content being
absorbed into the bloodstream. The amount of alcohol in the bloodstream is
called Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). BAC is measured by the amount of
alcohol (milligrams) found in 100 milliliters of blood. For example, a
person with 50 mg of alcohol per 100mL of blood has a BAC of 0.05 grams
per 100 mL of blood (50 mg divided by 100 mL = 0.05 g per 100 mL).
The higher the BAC, the higher the level of intoxication. Intoxication is a state in
which a person's normal capacity to think, act and move is impaired by alcohol,
cannabis, and/or other drugs. This puts your customer, and others at risk. It’s your
job to keep track of how much your customers are drinking and to estimate the
amount you can safely serve.
The higher the BAC, the higher the level of intoxication. This means that as
someone consumes more alcohol, their ability to think, act, and move becomes
increasingly impaired.
Intoxication is a state in which a person's normal capacity to think, act, and move
is impaired by alcohol, cannabis, and/or other drugs: Intoxication occurs when the
effects of alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs disrupt a person's usual mental
and physical functioning. This impairment can affect their judgment, coordination,
and reaction time, putting themselves and others at risk of harm.
Intoxication puts your customer, and others at risk: Intoxicated individuals
may engage in risky behaviors such as driving under the influence or causing harm
to themselves or others. It's important for establishments to recognize the signs of
intoxication and take steps to prevent overconsumption to ensure the safety of their
customers and the community.
A BAC chart can help by showing an estimate of what happens to BAC levels when a
certain number of Standard Drinks are consumed over a specific period of
time:
BAC charts incorporate a person’s sex, weight, number of drinks consumed, and time.
Time is the most important factor impacting BAC. The longer the time period over which
drinks are consumed, the lower the resulting BAC. Conversely, the more drinks
consumed in a shorter period of time, the higher the BAC.
BAC will continue to rise, even after the person stops drinking, because it takes time for alcohol to
travel into the bloodstream. This is important to understand because it means that even if someone
stops drinking, their BAC may still increase for a period of time as alcohol is absorbed into the
bloodstream.
BAC chart assumes a rate of elimination of alcohol from the body of 0.015 mg/ml/hr, or approximately
one Standard Drink per hour. Elimination rates may vary between 0.01 and 0.025 mg/ml/hr, depending
on factors such as a person’s sex and weight. This means that less than one Standard Drink may be
eliminated by an individual's body per hour.
In Ontario, a BAC of 0.05 or over can lead to a driver’s licence suspension under the Highway Traffic Act
(HTA). A BAC of 0.08 or over is a criminal offence.
Counting drinks isn't always accurate: Just because someone has had a certain number of drinks doesn't
mean you can accurately judge how intoxicated they are, especially if they've been drinking or using
drugs before they got to your place.
Green means go: In the traffic light system used for assessing customer intoxication, "green" is the safest
rating. It means that the customer is showing no signs of intoxication and can be served alcohol. At
this rating, the customer is likely to have a BAC level of 0.05 or less and can
be served alcohol. It indicates that the customer has consumed alcohol, but it's
unlikely to impair their ability to function safely. Therefore, they can be served
alcohol without posing a risk to themselves or others.
Yellow means caution/slow down: In the traffic light system used for assessing
customer intoxication, "yellow" is a warning sign. It means that the customer is
beginning to show signs of intoxication, and you should proceed with caution. It's
important to closely observe your customers and watch for any signs that they may
be becoming intoxicated. If you notice behaviors such as slurred speech, unsteady
movements, or changes in behavior, it's a warning sign that they may be getting
drunk.
Red means stop: In the traffic light system used for assessing customer intoxication, "red" is a critical
warning sign. It means that the customer is showing multiple signs of intoxication, and you should stop
serving them alcohol immediately.
You are responsible for an intoxicated customer until he or she is sober again and you will need to take
steps to ensure their safety: It's important to remember that as a server or bartender, you have a duty of
care to your customers. If someone becomes heavily intoxicated, you are responsible for their well-being
and safety. This may include intervening to prevent further alcohol consumption, offering assistance or
arranging transportation home, and ensuring they are in a safe environment until they sober up.
BODY SIZE:
Since there's less space for the alcohol to spread out in a smaller body, it becomes
more concentrated, leading to a higher BAC. On the other hand, in a larger person,
the alcohol is more spread out in their body, resulting in a lower concentration and a
lower BAC for the same amount of alcohol consumed.
BODY FAT:
Individuals with higher body fat percentages may experience higher BAC levels for
the same amount of alcohol consumed compared to individuals with lower body fat
percentages, even if they weigh the same. Since alcohol is distributed in the body's
water content, individuals with a higher percentage of body fat have less water
content relative to their overall weight. As a result, the alcohol becomes more
concentrated in their bloodstream, leading to a higher Blood Alcohol Concentration
(BAC) compared to someone with less body fat.
AGE:
As people age, their ability to metabolize alcohol decreases. Aging reduces muscle
mass and the body’s ability to retain water. An older person who drinks the same
amount of alcohol as a younger person will likely have a higher BAC level.
As people age, various physiological changes occur in the body that can affect how
alcohol is metabolized. One of the main factors is a decrease in muscle mass and an
increase in body fat, which can alter the distribution of alcohol in the body.
Additionally, the liver's efficiency in metabolizing alcohol tends to decline with age,
leading to a slower breakdown of alcohol.
SEX:
Females and transgender individuals assigned female at birth, tend to have a higher
proportion of fatty tissue and less total body water than males and transgender
individuals assigned male at birth, of the same weight. If a female and male weigh the
same, and consume the same number of Standard Drinks in the same amount of time,
the female will likely have a higher BAC.
Eating foods that are high in fat and protein, before or while drinking, will keep
alcohol in the stomach longer and slow down absorption.
Consuming foods that are high in fat and protein before or while drinking can indeed
slow down the absorption of alcohol in the stomach. Fat and protein take longer
to digest compared to carbohydrates, which are typically found in sugary foods
and drinks. When alcohol is consumed along with fatty or protein-rich foods, it
remains in the stomach for a longer period of time as the body prioritizes the
digestion of fats and proteins. This slows down the rate at which alcohol enters
the bloodstream, resulting in a slower rise in blood alcohol concentration (BAC)
levels. Food absorbs alcohol, keeping it in the stomach longer which slows down the
rate at which it is absorbed into the bloodstream.
Alternating alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic beverages or water can also
help to slow down alcohol consumption. Drinking water or non-alcoholic beverages
in between alcoholic drinks not only helps to stay hydrated but also dilutes the
alcohol content in the body, reducing its concentration in the bloodstream. This
can slow down the rate at which BAC levels rise and may help to moderate overall
alcohol intake.
Salty foods can indeed increase thirst due to the salt content, which may
lead individuals to drink more in a shorter period of time. This can potentially
increase alcohol consumption and accelerate the rate at which BAC levels rise.
Legal/illegal drugs, cannabis, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter medications
can increase the effects of alcohol. Combining alcohol with various legal and
illegal drugs, including cannabis, prescription medications, and over-the-
counter drugs, can have significant effects on the body. They can enhance
alcohol-induced impairment, leading to increased sedation, dizziness, impaired
coordination, and cognitive impairment.
Caffeinated energy drinks and coffee are stimulants that can mask the
effects of alcohol. This means people consuming these drinks along with alcohol
may not realize how intoxicated they are becoming. Health Canada requires that all
energy drink labels state “do not mix with alcohol.”
The stimulant effects of caffeine can make individuals feel more alert and
awake, even when they are experiencing alcohol-induced impairment. As a result,
they may mistakenly believe that they are sober enough to drive or engage in other
activities that require coordination and cognitive function.
To address this concern, health authorities, including Health Canada, require all
energy drink labels to include warnings advising against mixing these beverages
with alcohol. The purpose of these warnings is to educate consumers about the
potential risks associated with combining alcohol and caffeinated drinks and to
encourage safer drinking practices.
Carbonated drinks allow alcohol to enter into the bloodstream faster than normal.
This is because carbonation builds up the pressure in the stomach, forcing
alcohol into the stomach lining. From there, alcohol can quickly pass into the
bloodstream.
Frequency: Drinks are typically consumed every 20 minutes. This means that individuals often have a
drink approximately every 20 minutes throughout the duration of the social gathering.
Rate: The rate of drinking is estimated to be three drinks per hour. This suggests that, on average,
individuals consume about three alcoholic beverages within the span of one hour.
Duration: This pattern is observed over a period of one to two hours, implying that social drinking
occasions typically last for this duration.
Engaging in social activities, such as talking with friends or eating food,
can influence drinking behavior. People tend to drink more slowly when they are
actively engaged in conversation or when they are distracted by other activities.
This can help to pace alcohol consumption and may lead to more moderate drinking
habits.
Drinking patterns may change over extended periods of drinking. Initially,
individuals may consume drinks at a steady pace, but as the evening
progresses, they may slow down or consume fewer drinks due to factors
such as feeling full or reaching their desired level of intoxication.
Social drinking is often characterized by moderate alcohol consumption,
pacing, and enjoyment of the social atmosphere.
TOLERANCE
Experienced or regular drinkers often find that they need to drink more alcohol to
achieve the same level of intoxication or desired effects that they once experienced
with smaller amounts. This can lead to a gradual increase in alcohol consumption
over time.
Individuals with high tolerance levels may show fewer visible signs of
intoxication even when they have relatively high blood alcohol concentrations
(BACs).
Despite showing few visible signs of intoxication, a person's BAC can still exceed
legal limits for driving under the influence (DUI). This means that they may be too
impaired to operate a vehicle safely, even if they appear sober. tolerance to alcohol
can influence how individuals perceive and respond to its effects, it does not change
the actual amount of alcohol in their bloodstream (BAC).
It’s your job to keep track of how much your customers are drinking and to estimate the amount you can
safely serve: As a provider of alcohol, it's your responsibility to monitor your customers' alcohol
consumption and assess their level of intoxication. By keeping track of how much they've had to drink
and recognizing signs of intoxication, you can make informed decisions about when to stop serving them
to prevent further impairment and promote a safe environment for everyone.