LCQ Responsible Service Practices 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under NZ host responsibility requirements, what information must be displayed on licensed premises for patrons?
- Information about safe transport options, the availability of free water and food, and the premises' host responsibility policy (Correct answer)
- Only the premises licence number
- The price list for all alcoholic drinks
- The names and photos of all staff on duty
Correct answer: Information about safe transport options, the availability of free water and food, and the premises' host responsibility policy
NZ host responsibility signage must inform patrons about: the availability of free drinking water, food options, non-alcoholic and low-alcohol alternatives, and safe transport options (taxi numbers, public transport). This promotes responsible drinking choices.
Question 2: In NZ, what is the responsible service approach to serving rounds or 'shouts' of drinks?
- Monitor each person's consumption individually — the fact that drinks are bought in a round does not change the obligation to refuse service to an intoxicated person (Correct answer)
- Rounds must be refused to prevent over-consumption
- Serve the round but reduce the alcohol content of drinks for intoxicated persons
- Rounds are banned under NZ law
Correct answer: Monitor each person's consumption individually — the fact that drinks are bought in a round does not change the obligation to refuse service to an intoxicated person
NZ law does not ban rounds, but duty managers must still monitor each individual's consumption. A person cannot be served simply because someone else is paying. If any individual shows signs of intoxication, they must be refused service regardless of the round.
Question 3: What is the NZ duty manager's responsibility regarding pre-loading (drinking before arriving at the venue)?
- Assess each person's state at the door — refuse entry if they appear intoxicated, regardless of whether they consumed alcohol before arrival (Correct answer)
- Pre-loading is not the venue's concern
- Allow entry but serve only non-alcoholic drinks
- Only check for pre-loading after midnight
Correct answer: Assess each person's state at the door — refuse entry if they appear intoxicated, regardless of whether they consumed alcohol before arrival
NZ duty managers must assess each person's state at entry. If a patron shows signs of intoxication from pre-loading (drinking before arrival), they should be refused entry. The duty manager's obligation is to prevent intoxicated persons from being on the premises, regardless of where they became intoxicated.
Question 4: Under NZ law, what are the rules regarding free drinks promotions and irresponsible drink promotions?
- Promotions that encourage excessive or rapid consumption are prohibited — this includes all-you-can-drink deals, free drinks, drinking games, and discounts on large quantities (Correct answer)
- Any promotion is legal as long as it is advertised in advance
- Free drinks are allowed only before 9 PM
- Only promotions involving spirits are restricted
Correct answer: Promotions that encourage excessive or rapid consumption are prohibited — this includes all-you-can-drink deals, free drinks, drinking games, and discounts on large quantities
The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 prohibits promotions that encourage excessive or rapid consumption. This includes: all-you-can-drink offers, free drinks promotions, drinking competitions, discounts that incentivise buying large quantities, and any promotion designed to encourage intoxication.
Question 5: What is the NZ expectation for staff training in responsible service of alcohol?
- All staff involved in selling or serving alcohol must receive training in responsible service, signs of intoxication, refusal techniques, and the law (Correct answer)
- Only the duty manager needs training — other staff just follow their instructions
- Training is optional and has no legal basis
- Training is only required for staff who have been employed for more than 6 months
Correct answer: All staff involved in selling or serving alcohol must receive training in responsible service, signs of intoxication, refusal techniques, and the law
NZ licensing law expects all staff involved in the sale and supply of alcohol to receive adequate training in responsible service. This includes recognising intoxication, refusal techniques, age verification, and understanding relevant laws. The duty manager is responsible for ensuring this training occurs.
Question 6: In NZ, what role does food service play in the responsible service of alcohol?
- Food slows alcohol absorption and reduces intoxication — on-licensed premises must make food available, and staff should actively encourage food consumption (Correct answer)
- Food has no effect on alcohol absorption
- Food service is completely separate from alcohol service requirements
- Only meals count — snacks have no impact on alcohol absorption
Correct answer: Food slows alcohol absorption and reduces intoxication — on-licensed premises must make food available, and staff should actively encourage food consumption
Food slows the absorption of alcohol in the stomach, helping to reduce the rate of intoxication. NZ on-licence conditions typically require food to be available during certain hours, and responsible service includes actively promoting food to patrons who are drinking.
LCQ Responsible Service Practices 1
Under NZ host responsibility requirements, what information must be displayed on licensed premises for patrons?