What is the appropriate response when a clearly intoxicated patron asks for another drink?

What is the appropriate response when a clearly intoxicated patron asks for another drink?

• A. Offer a smaller alcoholic drink to reduce risk.
• B. Refuse politely and reiterate the policy, offering non-alcoholic options and safe transportation if needed.
• C. Encourage the patron to drink water and stay for a while before deciding.
• D. Ignore the request and continue service.

Answer: (B)

When someone who is clearly intoxicated asks for another drink, the focus is on safety and responsible service. The best approach is to refuse politely, reaffirm the establishment’s policy, and offer alternatives such as non-alcoholic options and safe transportation if needed. This protects the patron from further impairment and helps prevent potential harm to them or others, while also aligning with legal and policy requirements that prohibit serving intoxicated patrons. Offering non-alcoholic beverages or food keeps the guest engaged in the outing without increasing risk, and suggesting safe transportation—like a taxi, rideshare, or a designated driver—helps ensure they get home safely. Remaining calm, respectful, and clear about the policy makes the interaction safer and easier to manage. The other options fall short because continuing to pour alcohol to someone intoxicated worsens risk; simply encouraging water without addressing the request inadequately protects the patron or others; and ignoring the request ignores safety responsibilities and could lead to problems.

When someone who is clearly intoxicated asks for another drink, the focus is on safety and responsible service. The best approach is to refuse politely, reaffirm the establishment’s policy, and offer alternatives such as non-alcoholic options and safe transportation if needed. This protects the patron from further impairment and helps prevent potential harm to them or others, while also aligning with legal and policy requirements that prohibit serving intoxicated patrons.

Offering non-alcoholic beverages or food keeps the guest engaged in the outing without increasing risk, and suggesting safe transportation—like a taxi, rideshare, or a designated driver—helps ensure they get home safely. Remaining calm, respectful, and clear about the policy makes the interaction safer and easier to manage.

The other options fall short because continuing to pour alcohol to someone intoxicated worsens risk; simply encouraging water without addressing the request inadequately protects the patron or others; and ignoring the request ignores safety responsibilities and could lead to problems.