What to Do If You Suspect a Customer is Intoxicated: A Server's Guide

So, What Do You Do When You Suspect a Customer is Intoxicated?

It's a situation every server dreads: a customer is clearly feeling a little too merry, and you’re left trying to figure out how to handle it without causing a scene. You know what I mean, right? Picture it. You’re busy, the bar's alive with laughter, tunes are playing, and then you spot it—a patron who’s one drink away from chaos. So, what should you do?

First Things First: Don’t Serve Another Drink

Let’s cut to the chase. If you’re thinking about pouring another round for someone who seems intoxicated—don’t. Just don’t. This might sound like common sense, but you'd be surprised how easy it is to overlook the obvious when the atmosphere is bustling! Serving that next drink could put both you and the establishment in a challenging position.

The Legal Spotlight

Here’s the deal: serving alcohol to an intoxicated person is not just a moral misstep, it’s a legal one too. Under the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission regulations, you—yes, you—have a responsibility to ensure all your customers are being served responsibly. What does that mean? Essentially, you’re safeguarding their health and safety while also protecting your establishment from potential liabilities.

Now, think about that for a second. Imagine facing a lawsuit because you served someone who clearly had one too many. Scary, right? Everyone wants to have a good time, but the last thing anyone wants is to be part of a grizzly story involving too much booze.

So, What’s a Server to Do?

If you suspect that a customer might be intoxicated, the best move is to deny further service. Now, I know what you're thinking: "That sounds harsh!" But really, it’s the right thing to do. Instead of turning a blind eye or, heaven forbid, encouraging another drink, try something different.

Suggest Non-Alcoholic Options

After refusing to serve the customer, suggest some enticing non-alcoholic alternatives. Think mocktails, sodas, or even just a glass of water with a twist of lemon. By doing this, you’re showing that you respect them and their wellbeing. Plus, it helps to de-escalate a potentially awkward situation. No one wants to feel abandoned or judged, right? Just like we all appreciate a friendly recommendation at the bar; it makes us feel welcome.

Keeping Safety a Priority

Encouraging non-alcoholic options not only eases tensions but also shows you're dedicated to responsible service. You're making a proactive choice—taking steps to prevent any untoward incidents while ensuring customer safety and compliance with the law. Isn’t that what every great server wants?

What Not to Do

So, let’s recap, shall we? Avoid these pitfalls:

• A. Serving them another drink? Nope.
• B. Ignoring their behavior? Big no!
• C. Asking them to leave with no options? Not cool.

All these choices miss the mark on serving responsibly and protecting your patrons. You really want to be the server who takes care of the situation, not one who just washes their hands of it.

Why Responsible Service Matters

At the end of the day, responsible serving isn’t just about compliance. It’s an essential aspect of ensuring everyone enjoys their time out without the risk of danger or legal trouble. By following the guidelines put forth by the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission, you're not only doing your job—you're playing your part in creating a culture of safe drinking.

In this business, it’s all about balance. Having fun while enforcing the laws that keep us all safe doesn’t have to be a tightrope walk. With every drink you serve, remember—it’s about creating an experience, one that everyone can enjoy responsibly. So next time you find yourself navigating this tricky terrain, lean into your training, suggest those non-alcoholic options, and keep the party going—safely!

Being a great server isn’t just about cocktails and customer service; it’s about care. And let’s be honest, nobody can say no to a well-served mocktail on a warm Oregon afternoon.