How does drinking on an empty stomach affect alcohol absorption?

Drinking on an empty stomach speeds the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream, causing BAC to rise faster, because there is no food to slow the alcohol's passage from the stomach into the small intestine where most absorption occurs. Conversely, eating — especially foods with protein and fat — slows absorption and produces a more gradual rise in BAC. This is one reason servers may offer food to customers who are drinking. Recognizing this factor helps servers anticipate which customers may become intoxicated more quickly.