Alcohol's effects

Explain why BAC can continue rising after the last drink.
Recognize that only time reduces alcohol impairment in normal service settings.
Use visible impairment, serving pace, food intake, ABV, and portion size to guide service.

A US standard drink contains about 0.6 fl oz / 14 g of pure alcohol; for beer, serving size must be interpreted through ABV, not glass volume alone.
Alcohol is absorbed from the stomach and small intestine into the bloodstream; food slows absorption, while rapid drinking can raise BAC because absorption is faster than elimination.
The liver metabolizes most ethanol at a relatively steady individual rate through alcohol dehydrogenase to acetaldehyde, then aldehyde dehydrogenase to acetate.
A common responsible-service rule of thumb is that BAC falls by about 0.015 per hour after peak, but individual variation is substantial, so visible impairment still controls service decisions.
Observable intoxication indicators include impaired coordination, slowed reaction time, lowered inhibition, slurred speech, drowsiness, mood changes, and poor judgment.

Use alcohol physiology to make conservative service decisions and explain why high-ABV beer needs smaller pours.

Alcohol: Alcohol is absorbed from the stomach and small intestine into the bloodstream; food slows absorption, while rapid drinking can raise BAC because absorption is faster than elimination.
A common responsible-service rule of thumb: A common responsible-service rule of thumb is that BAC falls by about 0.015 per hour after peak, but individual variation is substantial, so visible impairment still controls service decisions.
Standard drink: A serving containing about 0.6 fl oz / 14 g of pure alcohol in US public-health usage.
BAC: Blood alcohol concentration; it rises when alcohol is absorbed faster than the body eliminates it.

Syllabus Path