My Sisters and Brothers of the California Nevada Moose Association, greetings,
At the end of June, I will be attending the 2026 International Moose Convention in Oklahoma City and most likely networking and meeting many members of our fraternity for the first time. I will be assisting at the Loss Prevention kiosk along with my fellow committee members. Of course, if I’m not attending a session or workshop I very well may be imbibing in a refreshing libation and still talking and meeting our membership. After all, we are a social group. I am sure many of you will be doing the same thing. Whether it be in an airport lounge or a nearby bar or restaurant. Did you notice the bartenders using a jigger pourer or a like measuring devise? Why? They’re “Professionals.” Why do they need to use something to measure out a drink, even if it’s just a shot. One of the biggest mistakes we make in our Lodges is overpouring. There are several issues with this habit many of our servers might be failing to recognize and I’ll try and address them.
Cocktails are built on ratios. The balance between alcohol, mixers, and modifiers determines whether a drink is smooth and enjoyable or overly harsh and unpalatable. A jigger ensures that each ingredient is added in the exact amount specified by the recipe, helping maintain the intended flavor profile. Consistency is one of the hallmarks of professional service. Customers expect their favorite cocktail to taste the same every time they order it. Using a jigger guarantees uniformity, ensuring that every drink matches the established recipe regardless of who prepares it.
Alcohol is one of the most expensive components in a bar. Overpouring—even slightly—can lead to significant financial losses over time. Jiggers help prevent this by controlling exactly how much liquor goes into each drink. By measuring accurately, Lodges can reduce waste, maintain proper inventory levels, and protect profit margins.
In contrast, free pouring often results in inconsistencies and unintentional overuse of spirits, which can negatively impact the bottom line. I’ve seen many Lodges have to raise prices to a point where they are comparable to a commercial establishment. Isn’t one of our selling points “cheap drinks.” That’s slowly disappearing my friends. Because of overpouring.
Example: Bottle of popular whisky, 30.00, Number of ounces = 25.36, number of 1.5 oz shots. 16.9 vs generous pour, 2oz= 12.6 shots. Cost per shot $6. You would net $101.40 for normal serve vs $75.60 for your 2oz serve. Each bottle costs you about $25 profit. 10 bottles $250, 100 bottle $2,500. Keep it in mind, this is just one half ounce difference. What about the extra heavy free pour? Adds up, doesn’t it?
Using a jigger also plays a key role in responsible alcohol service. Accurate measurements ensure consistency. Everyone gets the same amount helping bartenders avoid unintentionally over-serving customers and monitoring exact amount consumed by a member. You cannot accurately state how much someone has had if it’s not measured! While free pouring may appear faster or more impressive, true professionalism lies in consistency and accuracy. The use of a jigger demonstrates mindfulness and commitment to quality and an interest in your members’ safety. The practice of using a jigger measurer should not just be a preference by a few Lodges or servers, it’s the best practice. Ideally, I will have a little experiment set up at our CNMA Annual Convention. Look for it. But until then my brothers, sisters, and wonderful servers. Be safe, love, laugh, live and as always, see you at The Moose.
Sam Hoffman
CNMA Loss Prevention Chair
(510) 295-9177
lossprevention@ca-nvmmose.org
samuelmhoffman@gmail.com
Moose International Risk Management
Phone: (630) 859-2000 xt 6615
Email: kduck@mooseintl.org
Loss Prevention is more than just theft, over pouring, trips and falls, or sexual harrassment. It is utilizing the many tools provided by Moose International for the financial and well-being of our lodges. Using the tools available will keep your lodge and members safe!
Loss Prevention Links
AED Program Flyer
Loss Prevention Reference Guide
Volunteer Agreement/Waiver
Music Licensing Information
Continuous Accident Prevention Booklet
General Lease Agreement
How to Investigate Complaints
Insurance Reference Manual
Lodge Safety Committee Best Practices Guide
Lodge Sexual Harassment/Respectful Environment Powerpoint
Parking Lot Lease Agreement
Registered Agents, Litigation and The Moose
Tax Exempt Organization Information
Service Dog Waiver Agreement
Workplace Safety & Health Guide
Training for Prevention
TRAINING & ATTITUDE MAKE THE DIFFERENCE:
CONGRATULATIONS TO THOSE MOOSE LODGES throughout the Fraternity for your earnest efforts to comply with the Alcohol Server Training Program. The effort put forth by all will be both impressive and advantageous when insurance renewal occurs at the beginning of each fiscal year. It must be the commitment of the entire Fraternity to make sure that all Servers are trained when serving alcohol in the Lodge Social Quarters as we go forward.
The Chief Compliance Office would like to remind Administrators to be aware of the expiration date on their Servers Certification Card, which they receive after completing their training. It is critical that Administrators keep track of expired cards because it could affect the entire Risk Pool program if an incident occurs with an untrained Server. It is therefore important to make sure that copies of all Server cards be kept in the Lodge office in the event that they need to be produced at any point time. As a Fraternity, we have made a commitment under our Risk Pool Insurance to comply with this program and the Risk Management Department thanks all the Lodges who have done so.
Training Will Reduce Risk
Alcohol Server Training: Now a mandatory Lodge training program for all Servers. Regardless of whatever program is used, Server must be re-certified within 3 years from the date of their original training.
Kitchen Training: Thorough training instruction should be given to any person, paid or volunteer on all kitchen equipment and appliances and no Lodge should allow minor children to work in their kitchen at any time.
Heavy lifting: Proper lifting techniques are also very important because injuries from improper lifting happen frequently when employees/volunteers lift items beyond their capability and do not take time to ask for help.
Hazardous Material/Chemicals: This includes flammable substances such as propane, paint, gasoline, and heating oil. Other items could also be cleaning substances that could be toxic or harmful to breath or cause a skin rash. Training and instruction should be done for all employees regarding the dangers of these substances.
Summer is here — Some things you should know about Heat Exhaustion.
The following article is courtesy of Lockton Affinity:
Heat exhaustion is one of three heat-related syndromes, with cramps being the mildest and heatstroke being the most severe. While heat exhaustion is in the middle, this syndrome must be taken seriously.
Heat Exhaustion Causes:
According to the Mayo Clinic, your body needs to maintain a normal core temperature around 98.6F. In hot weather your body cools itself by sweating. However, when you overexert in hot, humid weather your body cannot cool itself efficiently.
This syndrome can also be caused by dehydration, alcohol use, and overdressing. Certain factors can increase your sensitivity to heat including:
- Young or old age – Infants and children younger than four and adults older than 65 are at a higher risk of heat exhaustion
- Certain medication – Some medications affect your body’s ability to stay hydrated and respond appropriately to heat. These can include high blood pressure and allergy medications.
- Obesity – Carrying excess weight can affect your body’s ability to regulate the temperature and cause your body to retain more heat.
- High Heat Index – When the humidity is high, your sweat can’t evaporate as easily and your body has more difficulty cooling itself, making you prone to heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Heat Exhaustion Symptoms:
Symptoms or heat exhaustion may develop suddenly or over time and can include:
- Cool, moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat
- Heavy sweating
- Faintness
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Low blood pressure upon standing
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea
- Headache
If you think you are experiencing heat exhaustion, stop all activity, rest and drink cool water. Untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention to prevent permanent damage to your brain and other vital organs.
How to Prevent Members from Experiencing Heat Exhaustion
When hosting an outdoor event on a warm day, consider these tips:
- Check for weather updates
- Watch your local news for extreme heat alerts. Consider moving events indoors or rescheduling if temperatures reach extreme levels.
- Schedule outdoor activities carefully. Try to plan events in the morning or evening. If your event is in the afternoon, provide plenty of shaded areas and water.
- Encourage loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothing
- Provide plenty of fluids. Sports drinks can replace salt and minerals that have been lost in sweat. Avoid alcoholic beverages, which can dehydrate members more.
Schedule breaks
Encourage members to start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Set regular breaks in a cool area or in the shade.
With these considerations, your Lodge can host a successful, safe outdoor event during the summer months.
Have a great and safe summer.


