What should you do if a customer is clearly intoxicated but insists on being served?

When a customer is clearly intoxicated, the responsible action is to refuse service and offer them water instead. This approach prioritizes the safety and well-being of the individual and others around them. Serving alcohol to someone who is already intoxicated not only poses a risk to the individual’s health but can also lead to dangerous situations, such as impaired judgment or accidents.

Offering water instead demonstrates a caring approach while ensuring compliance with responsible serving practices. It helps to hydrate the customer and can aid in preventing further intoxication, illustrating a commitment to both legal obligations and the ethical responsibilities of the establishment.

The other options involve serving or allowing more alcohol, which is not a responsible choice. Allowing one more drink, for example, would likely exacerbate the situation, potentially leading to harmful consequences. Having someone else serve them does not change the fact that the customer is already impaired, and while encouraging them to stay longer may seem harmless, it could further contribute to their level of intoxication and related risks. Refusing service, therefore, is both a proactive safety measure and a legally compliant decision.