Responsible Alcohol Service Programs Evaluation Summary Report

Apsler, Robert; Harding, Wayne M. · 1991 · ROSA P / United States. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

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Summary

This report evaluates the effectiveness of the Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management (TEAM) program, a responsible alcohol service initiative developed for public assembly facilities, particularly sports stadiums. Sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the study addresses the need to assess whether TEAM successfully reduces alcohol-impaired driving, enhances fan safety, and limits facility liability. While TEAM had been adopted by over 90 facilities by 1990, prior to this study, there was limited empirical data regarding its actual impact on fan behavior and operational outcomes. The researchers conducted case studies of TEAM programs in seven Major League Baseball facilities during the summer of 1990. The methodology combined qualitative and quantitative approaches, including the collection of written TEAM assessments, anecdotal information from facility management, alcohol and food sales records, and surveys of both stadium employees and fans. Due to confidentiality agreements, facilities were anonymized. The study acknowledges several limitations, including the absence of control groups, non-representative sampling, and incomplete data availability across all sites. Findings indicate that TEAM was actively implemented across all seven facilities, with management reporting significant improvements in the stadium environment. Employee surveys revealed high levels of training participation (87–93%) and strong agreement with alcohol control policies. Employees reported feeling effective in handling intoxicated patrons, with nearly all citing successful interventions. Operational data from two facilities showed a decline in relative beer sales per capita and as a percentage of total revenue between 1985 and 1990, coinciding with the introduction of TEAM. Conversely, sales of food and non-alcoholic beverages increased. Fan surveys indicated that attendees had reduced their alcohol purchases, with no reports of increased consumption. Management also noted declines in alcohol-related incidents, contraband alcohol, and serving infractions, alongside improved staff relations. The study concludes that TEAM contributes to a reduction in alcohol consumption and problem behavior within stadiums, fostering a safer environment that may attract more families. The program appears to be relatively easy to implement and maintain, provided there is strong management support and comprehensive staff training. The authors recommend that facilities continue regular data collection to monitor long-term impacts and suggest further research to address the current study’s methodological limitations. The findings support the broader adoption of responsible alcohol service programs as a viable strategy for mitigating drunk driving and enhancing public safety in large assembly venues.

Key finding

Relative beer sales per capita decreased by 29% from 1985 to 1990, and fan surveys reported reduced alcohol purchases following the implementation of TEAM policies.

Methodology

mixed_methods

Sample size: 270

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• dui enforcement

Information type

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• Applied Guidance: countermeasure evaluation