When should you begin refusing service?

When should you begin refusing service?

• A. As soon as intoxication signs appear or if serving would exceed policy or law.
• B. Only after a loud complaint from others.
• C. After the guest finishes their current drink.
• D. Only during happy hour.

Answer: (A)

Begin refusing service as soon as you notice signs of intoxication or know that continuing to serve would violate your venue’s policies or the law. This early intervention protects the guest from further impairment, reduces risk to others, and helps you meet your legal and policy responsibilities. Waiting for problems to become louder or more obvious is reactive and can let the situation worsen. Waiting until the guest finishes a current drink simply allows more alcohol to be consumed, increasing risk. And treating service differently during a special time like happy hour goes against the principle that policy and safety apply at all times. If you refuse, offer safe alternatives such as non-alcoholic beverages, food, or help arranging transportation.

Begin refusing service as soon as you notice signs of intoxication or know that continuing to serve would violate your venue’s policies or the law. This early intervention protects the guest from further impairment, reduces risk to others, and helps you meet your legal and policy responsibilities. Waiting for problems to become louder or more obvious is reactive and can let the situation worsen. Waiting until the guest finishes a current drink simply allows more alcohol to be consumed, increasing risk. And treating service differently during a special time like happy hour goes against the principle that policy and safety apply at all times. If you refuse, offer safe alternatives such as non-alcoholic beverages, food, or help arranging transportation.