Expert: Paul Wagner - 11/15/2001

Question
im doing a research paper on the health laws and regulations of being a bartender. The internet doesnt really say much on the subject so i was wandering if you could help me?  

Answer
Dera James:

I think the subject of your paper might better be termed "The lack of health laws and regulations..."  

There are very few.  Bartenders are not allowed to serve alcohol to those under age, or who are obviously inebriated.  The first is easy--IDs rae required.  But there are no standards for bartenders to use to determine if a customer is inebriated.

The only other issue that is many states now outlaw smoking in bars....and it is up to the bartender to enforce the law.  This is another very awkward situation, in that bartenders are being asked to enforce laws that they themselves may not support, against their own customers, and in a scenario that the police department clearly does not want to get involved.  Amazing.

I don't know of many websites that can help you, either.  MADD has information on its site about DUI and BAC (BLood Alcohol Content) and your state ABC laws should have a booklet that you can consult--check the phone book for Alcoholic Beverage Control for your state.  

And write back if you need more help.  I teach this stuff at Napa Valley College, but we have to make most of it up as we go along....

Paul Wagner