Research needs and opportunities in server intervention programs

Abstract

Prevention specialists have recently focused on ways to shape the drinking context and environment to reduce the risks of drinking and driving. Server intervention refers to a set of strategies to control drinking in service establishments through changes in management policies, serving practices, and by training servers and other employees to monitor and control patrons' alcohol consumption. Research on server intervention is mixed, but seems to indicate that some server intervention practices can reduce levels of alcohol intoxication by patrons. Further work is needed to determine how such effects can be enhanced. Topics for future research include optimal components of specific training curriculum, policies needed to support and extend server training, importance of "booster" sessions, and the relationship of server intervention to broader social and legal environments that discourage drinking and driving.