Author: TAM of Nevada

Brand Loyalty Among Underage Drinkers

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teen drink preferencesWhile the rate of alcohol abuse among teens has fallen in recent years, it still represents a huge, and dangerous, problem. In fact, underage drinking accounted for over 189,000 emergency room visits in 2010 (SAMHSA). Researchers, advocates and policy experts are hard at work to find ways to reduce teen drinking. In the meantime, a new finding about the choices made by teen drinkers has emerged out of a study from Boston University and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Not only are teenagers getting their hands on alcoholic beverages for the purpose of binge drinking, they have brand-driven alcohol preferences. Some results from the study include:

  • Binge drinking among young people is highly prevalent. 67% of drinks consumed by teens aged 13 to 20 done so as part of binge drinking episodes.
  • 14% of those survey reported having drunk Bud Light at least once, followed by 7% have drunk Jack Daniel’s bourdon. Other popular choices were Smirnoff malt beverages, Budweiser, and Coors Light.
  • There is no strong trend toward one particular type of alcoholic beverage. The 25 most cited brands are diverse, and include beers, vodkas, whiskeys, rums, malt beverages, and cognacs.

For more information on study results, refer to the Washington Post article, “What underage drinkers drink when they binge drink.”

How can hospitality professionals help to prevent underage drinking? It only takes a minute to check an ID and prevent a minor from entering a bar and buying a drink. Gas stations, grocery stores and liquor stores are also places that teens turn to in order to purchase liquor, especially canned or bottled beer packs and malt liquors. Staffers at those establishments should take steps to ensure they are doing all they can to prevent illegal sales.

The RR Forum makes excellent and common-sense suggestions for helping to curb teenage drinking from off-site sales. For their tips, you may refer to the article on the FTC website at “Alcohol Retailers Can Help Reduce Teen Drinking.” Everyone involved in sales should be TAM®-certified, aware of store policies regarding acceptable forms of ID, and also when and how to refuse a sale.

How else do you think service workers can help curb teen drinking?

Resources

© 2014 National Hospitality Institute®, TAM® of Nevada

What’s On Your Entertainment List? Best Book and Movie Gifts for Bartenders

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tablet book for bartendersWe all know that sometimes truth is stranger than fiction… case in point: bartending robots that interpret body language! Drones delivering drinks at Vegas hotspots! But, whether you’re planning a vacation getaway or just some downtime at home in the coming months, the relaxed summer months are a great time to curl up with a good book or movie – fiction or non-fiction.

Instead of browsing the usual bestsellers list, why not pick up one of the many great books or movies targeted to bartenders and other hospitality professionals? Whether you’re looking for a good book to explain the basics, insight into the industry from bar gurus, or just a light and fun fiction story with a bar as the backdrop, there’s something out there for everyone! Here are some suggestions from TAM® of Nevada to help get you started:

Hey Bartender – A movie directed by Doug Tirola and featuring a number of the world’s renowned bartenders and cocktail drinkers. Hey Bartender is a love story to the cocktail and the people who make them. The film gives insider access to the most exclusive bars in New York chronicling the story of the comeback of the cocktail and the rebirth of the bartender. Also features commentary from some of New York City’s best cocktail hosts including Graydon Carter, Danny Meyer and Amy Sacco.

The Drunken Botanist by Amy Stewart – Not just a recipe collection, this book educates about the herbs, flowers, trees, fruits, and fungi that make up many alcoholic beverages: beer, wine, gin, sake, and more. Additionally, look for tips and tricks of the trade, gardening tips, and even how to brine your own olives. Love the visual component of a bartending book? Don’t worry, you’ll still get cocktail photographs and infusion recipes.

The Joy of Mixology: The Consummate Guide to the Bartender’s Craft by Gary Regan – A must-read guide to bartending and mixology by a fantastic author. Gary Regan’s book is a classic for any bar professional and will give insight and tips on not only how to memorize drink recipes, but begin creating your own. With insight into cocktail history, advice on bar etiquette and insights into his own experiences in the industry, this is a fun and entertaining read. If you’re impressed with this book, you should also pick up Regan’s newest follow-up book, Gaz Regan’s 101 Best New Cocktails Volume III.

Looking for even more suggestions on good reads for bar professionals? Check out Eater’s suggestions in the article, “The Best Cocktail Books: Bartenders Pick Their Favorites.”

Now it’s your turn. What are you reading or watching this summer?

Sources

Service Industry Tips: Expect the Unexpected and Rise to the Occasion

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restaurant or barSeasoned Managers and Beverage Service Professionals know that the service industry is well suited for high-energy individuals who excel under pressure and can face challenges head on. Nightclub & Bar recently released an article titled, “Damage Control: Dealing with the Unexpected,” and we here at TAM® of Nevada wholeheartedly agree with their suggestions for working through unexpected difficulties at bar and restaurant establishments. You can read the full article here, and check out a few more suggestions for TAM® Card holders that we’d add to the list:

  1. Make sure your staff is properly trained in safe beverage service. Not only is alcohol awareness training mandatory for all sales, service and security staff in Southern Nevada, it also keeps your patrons safe, and reduces risk and liability for your business. TAM® of Nevada is the go-to choice for your staff’s alcohol awareness training and provides the most comprehensive and engaging classes available.
  2. Make sure your bar is properly stocked and staffed. Nothing can spell disaster faster than a poorly stocked bar or restaurant. Having to let your patrons know that you’re unable to mix their favorite beverage, or that the list of specials has unexpectedly shrunk can disappoint your guests, and reduce your sales for the night. Make sure to check your inventory regularly, and make sure your staff is aware of stock policies and procedures.
  3. Expect the unexpected, and be prepared to take control in the event of any issues. Service professionals know that establishments can face all sorts of issues: everything from staffing issues to unexpected weather events, power outages, freezers on the fritz, and more. When troubles arise, keep cool and form a plan for how to proceed.

The ability to work through unexpected challenges is one of the most desirable qualities of a Beverage Service Professional. What other tips about handling challenges would you add to the list?

Resources

© 2014 National Hospitality Institute®, TAM® of Nevada

Announcing Our Quarterly Customer Survey Winner

Published on by TAM of Nevada1 Comment

Survey WInnerIf you’ve recently completed an online or classroom-based TAM® class, did you fill out the customer survey? As a token of thanks for our students’ participation, we enter survey respondents into a quarterly drawing for a $50 Amazon.com gift card prize. Congratulations to Dustin B., winner of our quarterly gift card giveaway for filling out the TAM® of Nevada Customer Survey! Additionally, thanks to all of our customers for choosing TAM® and for letting us know about your experience.

If you’ve recently completed your TAM® course and haven’t yet completed the customer satisfaction survey, we invite you to visit us on Facebook to access the survey and submit your response. While you are there, write on our Wall! Let us know your favorite part of the training, what you learned, or ask us any questions you might have.

Our customer satisfaction survey is available to both online and classroom students. Thank you again to all of our customers for your patronage and helpful responses. Remember to visit us on Facebook and keep the conversation going.

© 2014 National Hospitality Institute®, TAM® of Nevada