What Should Servers Do When a Customer is Overly Intoxicated?

Understanding Responsible Serving in British Columbia

You know what? Working in a bar or restaurant comes with its own set of challenges—especially when it comes to alcohol service. One of the biggest responsibilities on your shoulders is ensuring the safety of your patrons. This is particularly true when it looks like a customer is hitting that tipping point of intoxication. So, what should servers do if they suspect that a customer’s had one too many? Let’s talk it out.

What’s the Right Move?

If you believe a customer is becoming overly intoxicated, the most responsible choice is to cut off the service and assess the situation. Now, you might be wondering, "Why cut them off? Isn’t that just bad for business?" Here’s the thing—stopping service isn’t just about the bottom line; it’s about safety—yours, theirs, and everyone else in the establishment.

The Risks of Overserving

First off, serving more alcohol to an already inebriated individual isn’t just a guideline violation; it's a recipe for disaster. Increasing alcohol intake raises the risk of hazardous behavior, potential health emergencies, or accidents. We’ve all seen it; someone gets too drunk, acts out, and before you know it, there's chaos. By cutting off further alcohol service, you can help minimize such risks significantly.

Assessing the Situation

Once you’ve cut off service, the next step is to assess the situation. This doesn’t mean standing at a distance with your arms crossed; it means you should actively engage with the customer. Check their behavior—are they stumbling? Slurring their words? It’s important to gauge their intoxication level carefully. Open the lines of communication; a quick, friendly conversation can help you assess their state, and honestly, it shows that you care.

When to Bring Management into Play

Let’s not forget—sometimes, the situation might need more support. If you're concerned, don't hesitate to bring a manager into the conversation. A second opinion never hurts! Plus, they might have more experience handling such situations. Remember, your goal is to maintain a safe environment; you're all part of a team when it comes to operational safety.

Why Ignoring the Problem is Not an Option

Now, you might think, "I can just pretend I didn’t see anything and keep serving, right?" But really, that’s like playing with fire. Ignoring the situation or continuing to serve alcohol not only heightens risk but could also lead to serious liability issues. The last thing you want is for something to go wrong and have the authorities knock on your door.

Bad Ideas: Drinking Games and More Drinks

What about those tempting thoughts like, "Maybe I should give them more drinks to settle them down" or "Let’s engage them in a drinking game"? Hold up! Those ideas are definitely more harmful than helpful. Encouraging further drinking creates a dangerous environment and contradicts the responsible service standards that are set in place—all of which are designed to protect everyone involved.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, being a server isn’t just about serving drinks—it's about ensuring a responsible atmosphere that promotes safety and enjoyment for all patrons. While it might feel uncomfortable to tell someone they can't have another drink, it’s crucial for creating a positive customer experience in the long run.

So the next time you find yourself facing a situation with an overly intoxicated customer, remember: cut off service, assess the situation, and prioritize safety. In doing so, not only do you protect your patrons, but you also set your establishment apart as one that cares about responsible serving practices. And that’s something to raise a glass to!