SmartServe Ontario Practice Exam

Regarding catering events, can serving alcohol be managed by friends of the host?

1. Yes, if they are of legal age

2. No, it must be employees only

3. Yes, but only with a permit

4. No, only licensed caterers can do that

The correct answer is: No, it must be employees only

Serving alcohol at catering events typically requires adherence to specific licensing laws and regulations. It is generally mandated that only authorized and trained personnel can serve alcohol to ensure compliance with legal age restrictions and responsible service practices. Authorized servers are often required to have training in responsible alcohol service to prevent over-serving, ensure guests are of legal drinking age, and maintain a safe environment. Friends of the host, while they may be of legal age, do not have the same level of training or authorization as employees of a licensed catering service. This emphasizes the importance of relying on licensed personnel, as they are equipped to handle the responsibilities associated with alcohol service, which includes checking IDs and managing intoxicated guests. It is crucial for both the safety of the attendees and the legal standing of the event.