A cognitive analysis of server intervention policies: Perceptions of bar owners and servers

Objective: The present study examined the underlying psychological variables relevant to alcohol server intervention policies. The focus of the research was the theoretical examination of college bar owners' and servers' attitudes and beliefs about server intervention policies. Method: Owners (n=185) and servers (n=185) of college bars were asked about their attitudes and perceived cognitive outcomes regarding server intervention policies. Results: Although the findings revealed no statistical differences between owners and servers on their attitudes toward the different server intervention policies, statistical differences were found between the different policies (p<.05). Favorable policies focused on providing services to customers, whereas unfavorable policies focused on limiting the sales of alcohol. Finally, structural equation modeling revealed perceived cognitive outcomes related to the attitudes toward different server intervention policies. Conclusions: According to the present study's theoretical orientation, the attitudes are likely to have a direct influence on the adoption of policies or, on the part of the server, compliance with the policies. These attitudes toward the policies were found to be a function of the perceived hassle of implementing the policies and how effective the policy was in preventing driving under the influence.