Section 4Page 34
Communicate with Intoxicated Guests
Communicating with an intoxicated guest can be difficult. This can be especially true if you’re not allowing them to enter your event or you have to stop serving them. Keep these suggestions in mind:- Remain calm. Don't get upset with the guest.
- Keep all your statements simple and direct. Get to the point and tell them that they have had too much to drink.
- Don't take any negative remarks personally that are directed at you.
- When communicating, use "I" statements. "I think you have had too much to drink" is much better than "You are wasted."
- Present some solutions to the problem. Ask the guest if they would like some food, a non-alcoholic beverage, or a ride home.
- Avoid touching the guest.
- Get help if help is needed.
As you are communicating with an intoxicated guest trying to enter your event, keep in mind both verbal and nonverbal communication. Verbal communication includes not only the words you use when you speak but also how they are verbalized, such as volume and tone of voice. Also vital is nonverbal communication, or the body language that you use to get across your message. Nonverbal communication is a combination of body posture, facial expressions, and eye contact. If you are folding your arms across your chest, for instance, while you tell the intoxicated individual that he/she has had too much to drink, you are more likely to provoke anger and an argumentative response.
A key to remember is to treat any individual, intoxicated or not, with as much respect as possible. Remain polite and ask them leave. Or, use previously mentioned suggestions, such as offering to call them a taxi. If they become belligerent, let them know that you will call the police unless they leave. If they still do not leave the premises, feel free to contact your local police.
Typical College Students
How often do you think a typical Missouri college student drinks?
When asked, Missouri college students thought their peers drank once a week or more often. (69.4%)
But, when asked about their alcohol use:
Most Missouri College students reported drinking only once every two weeks or less (66.7%). 24% reported not drinking at all!
Taken from the Missouri College Health Behavior Survey 2009, n=6257, given to a random sample of students at 13 publicly funded Missouri Institutions of Higher Education
How often do you think a typical Missouri college student drinks?
When asked, Missouri college students thought their peers drank once a week or more often. (69.4%)
But, when asked about their alcohol use:
Most Missouri College students reported drinking only once every two weeks or less (66.7%). 24% reported not drinking at all!
Taken from the Missouri College Health Behavior Survey 2009, n=6257, given to a random sample of students at 13 publicly funded Missouri Institutions of Higher Education
Activity: Communicate Appropriately
Travis is a frequent guest of your organization’s functions. He has a tendency to drink too much. You happen to see him drinking a lot this night. He is no longer speaking clearly, his eyes are red and glossy, he is unable to sit up straight in his chair, and his hair is all messed up. Travis is signaling to you, holding up his beer mug, pointing at it, and saying in a loud, slurred voice, "more beer, more beer."
What’s an appropriate reaction to Travis’ request?
Travis is a frequent guest of your organization’s functions. He has a tendency to drink too much. You happen to see him drinking a lot this night. He is no longer speaking clearly, his eyes are red and glossy, he is unable to sit up straight in his chair, and his hair is all messed up. Travis is signaling to you, holding up his beer mug, pointing at it, and saying in a loud, slurred voice, "more beer, more beer."
What’s an appropriate reaction to Travis’ request?
You may think that you could never intervene in a situation like this. But, you can learn techniques to help you intervene and prevent harm to your friends and guests. Learn how you can effectively intervene at STEP UP!
http://www.stepupprogram.org/students/
The STEP UP! Program was developed by The University of Arizona C.A.T.S. Life Skills Program in partnership with the NCAA in cooperation with The BACCHUS Network and APPLE Conference.
Remember: No one can do everything, but everyone can do something!
http://www.stepupprogram.org/students/
The STEP UP! Program was developed by The University of Arizona C.A.T.S. Life Skills Program in partnership with the NCAA in cooperation with The BACCHUS Network and APPLE Conference.
Remember: No one can do everything, but everyone can do something!