What is the bartender's responsibility if an intoxicated guest causes harm?

The responsibility of a bartender when an intoxicated guest causes harm revolves around the concept of potential legal liability. Bartenders and servers have a duty of care to ensure that they do not serve alcohol to individuals who are visibly intoxicated. This is grounded in the principle of responsible beverage service, which aims to minimize risks associated with alcohol consumption.

When a bartender serves an intoxicated guest and that guest subsequently causes harm—either to themselves or others—the bartender could be held legally liable for contributing to that harm. This liability can arise from various laws and regulations that encourage responsible service of alcohol and aim to protect the community from the negative effects of excessive drinking.

The other options do not adequately reflect the legal and social responsibilities placed on bartenders. No responsibility whatsoever would imply a complete lack of accountability, which is contrary to the standards in the hospitality industry. While moral responsibility can exist, it does not encompass the legal implications tied to serving alcohol. Serving additional beverages without caution goes against the standards of responsible service and directly contradicts the need to prevent harm. Thus, potential legal liability is the most accurate understanding of the bartender's responsibility in such scenarios.