Effective Date: June 1, 2025
Last Revised: January 1, 2026
1. Goal and Commitment
It is the goal of Thirsty Cow Korean BBQ to provide a welcoming dining experience while maintaining a safe and responsible environment for all guests and employees. Responsible management of alcoholic beverages is a key part of achieving this goal.
The prevention of alcohol-related incidents is a shared responsibility. Every employee involved in alcohol service is expected to actively participate in upholding this policy as a team.
All employees who serve, supervise, check identification, or deliver alcoholic beverages are required to read, understand, and comply with this Alcohol Management Policy.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all Thirsty Cow Korean BBQ employees involved in alcohol service, including:
- Managers
- Servers and runners
- Bartenders
3. Legal Compliance
- Thirsty Cow Korean BBQ operates under a valid California ABC on-sale license.
- All alcohol service must comply with California Alcoholic Beverage Control laws and regulations.
- Failure to follow ABC laws or this policy may result in disciplinary action and may expose the employee and the business to legal penalties.
4. Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Training
4.1 Certification Requirement
All employees who serve, supervise, check ID, or deliver alcoholic beverages must complete:
- California ABC-approved Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) training
- The ABC Alcohol Server Certification Exam
4.2 Timeline
- New hires must complete RBS certification within 60 days of hire.
- Certification must be renewed every three years.
4.3 Training Topics Include
- California alcohol laws
- Preventing sales to minors
- Recognizing signs of intoxication
- Proper refusal of service
- Handling difficult or unsafe situations
5. Admission and Guest Conduct
- Guests who arrive intoxicated or become intoxicated while on the premises may be refused service and asked to leave.
- Management may take appropriate action, including offering assistance with safe transportation.
- Thirsty Cow Korean BBQ reserves the right to involve local law enforcement if necessary to protect guest and employee safety.
6. Sale and Service of Alcoholic Beverages
6.1 Employee Conduct
- Employees serving alcohol must be at least 21 years of age.
- Employees may not consume alcohol while on duty or while representing Thirsty Cow Korean BBQ.
- Alcohol may only be served during regular business operation hours.
6.2 Guest Age Requirement
- Alcoholic beverages may only be served to guests 21 years of age or older.
7. Identification (ID) Verification
7.1 ID Checking Policy
- All guests who appear under 30 years of age must present valid, government-issued photo identification.
- Alcohol service must be refused if valid ID is not provided.
7.2 Acceptable Forms of ID
- State-issued driver's license
- State-issued identification card
- Military identification card
- Passport
Any identification that does not include a valid photo or that is expired will not be accepted.
8. False or Altered Identification
A false ID includes any altered, borrowed, stolen, counterfeit, or forged identification.
If a suspected false ID is presented:
- The employee must immediately notify management.
- The guest will be informed that management is reviewing the ID.
- Management will determine whether the ID is valid.
- If the ID is determined to be false, alcohol service will be refused.
When legally appropriate, management may confiscate false identification in accordance with California law and will follow proper reporting procedures including reporting to the local police department.
9. Monitoring Intoxication and Refusal of Service
9.1 Signs of Intoxication
Employees must be alert for signs including, but not limited to:
- Slurred speech
- Impaired coordination
- Aggressive or inappropriate behavior
- Bloodshot eyes
- Excessive alcohol consumption in a short time
9.2 Refusal of Service
- Alcohol service must be refused to any guest who is impaired or obviously intoxicated.
- Employees should use calm, respectful language and notify a manager immediately.
- Non-alcoholic beverages and food may be offered as alternatives.
10. Enforcement and Intervention
- Employees must notify a manager whenever a guest is impaired, intoxicated, or attempting to violate alcohol laws.
- Managers will coordinate intervention efforts and determine whether law enforcement assistance is required.
- Under no circumstances may employees continue alcohol service once intoxication is observed.
11. Minors and Third-Party Alcohol Sharing
- Minors found in possession of alcohol or adults providing alcohol to minors will be addressed immediately by management.
- Alcohol service will cease to involved parties.
- Incident documentation will be completed.
- Guests may be asked to leave, and law enforcement may be contacted when appropriate.
12. Incident Documentation
- Any incident involving intoxication, refusal of service, false identification, or unsafe behavior must be documented using Form ABC-607, which is available on the ABC website.
- Incident reports should include date, time, staff involved, actions taken, and management response.
- Documentation will be maintained by management for compliance purposes.
13. Public Awareness
- Alcohol service policies will be communicated through our website, www.thirstycowbbq.com, and staff communication.
- Guests will be reminded that:
- Valid ID is required
- Guests must be 21 or older to consume alcohol
- Intoxicated guests will not be served
- Ride-share or safe transportation options may be suggested to impaired guests.
14. Manager Responsibilities
Managers are responsible for:
- Enforcing this policy consistently
- Ensuring staff maintain valid RBS certification
- Handling refusals of service and escalations
- Coordinating incident response and documentation
15. Employee Accountability
Failure to comply with this policy may result in:
- Retraining
- Suspension of alcohol service duties
- Disciplinary action up to and including termination
16. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed periodically and updated as needed to remain compliant with California ABC regulations and RBS requirements.