BAR OBSERVATIONS

Intent & Methods:
SFSS also conducts bar observations to monitor how well student-oriented bars/restaurants follow Responsible Beverage Service standards. In order to participate in bar observation research, all students must receive Responsible Beverage Service training and be age 21 or older. Bar observations focus on the retail environment of on-sale alcohol outlets. First, SFSS students met to identify student-patronized bars and requested the Berkeley Police (BPD) to report which bars they identified as "student bars." The students and BPD identified five bars in the target area. During the first two semesters of bar observations the students repeatedly visited (Spring 2006 and Fall 2006) four off-campus locations and one on-campus pub.

Students typically conduct bar observations on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, the only notable exception being holiday evenings. Bar observations on average last one hour, and students, when possible, make concerted efforts to attend the bars near peak hours (typically 10 and 11pm). During the observations, the student research team generally assesses: the quality of ID-checking, the presence of loud music, the types of alcohol served, drink specials, the presence of food, server intervention, bar cleanliness, and the behavior of bar patrons. You can see our observation sheet here.

Bar Observation Findings:
Of 40 unique student observations in south-campus bars, 53.8% of observers stated that their ID was checked at the door, and only 54.8% noted that servers checked ID at the bar. Students reported that 84.2% of the on-sale establishments visited had alcohol 'specials,' while only 35.3% reported seeing food specials available at the bar/restaurant. 17.1% of student observers reported seeing servers at the bar serve to obviously intoxicated patrons. A report regarding our year one and year two findings is forthcoming.

Observation data has been used by law enforcement to identify potential minor decoy operations in the campus area, and what specific practices are occurring in south-campus outlets that constitute violations. Feedback is also given to the merchants in terms of RBS performance on bar observations during the month of April for Alcohol Awareness Month. RBS trainings are typically held in the month of April and announced by the Berkeley Police Department.