British Columbia Serving It Right Practice Test

Under what condition is a liquor establishment not responsible for the actions of an intoxicated patron?

1. Staff did not know the patron was intoxicated

2. The patron was not served any alcohol

3. The patron did not cause any harm

4. It is during a special event

The correct answer is: Staff did not know the patron was intoxicated

The reason the answer is recognized as correct relates to the legal responsibility of liquor establishments in British Columbia. If staff were genuinely unaware that a patron was intoxicated, then the establishment may not be held liable for any actions taken by that patron. This is crucial because it's predicated on the staff's awareness and duty of care to ensure they do not serve alcohol to individuals who are visibly intoxicated. Knowledge of a patron's intoxicated state is often a key factor when determining liability, meaning if staff acted in good faith and did not recognize the signs of intoxication, they may be excused from responsibility. In contrast, if a patron was not served any alcohol, the establishment is not responsible, but that situational nuance is unrelated to the awareness of intoxication. If the patron did not cause any harm, while it may affect the outcome of certain legal evaluations, the establishment's responsibility is typically connected more directly to the service and awareness of intoxication. Lastly, holding a licensure during a special event does not inherently change liability regarding intoxicated patrons; the same responsibilities of serving alcohol are maintained to prevent serving those who are intoxicated.