If a patron arrives obviously intoxicated, what should staff do regarding alcohol service?

• A. Continue serving the patron as usual.
• B. Offer the patron a non-alcoholic beverage.
• C. Refuse to serve the patron alcohol.
• D. Ask the patron to leave immediately.

Answer: (C)

When a patron is obviously intoxicated, the first priority is safety and staying within responsible service guidelines: stop serving alcohol to prevent further impairment and potential harm. Refusing to serve protects the patron and others, reduces risk of accidents or overdosing, and aligns with legal and venue policies. You can still support them by offering non-alcoholic options (water or soda) and helping them arrange safe transport or a quiet place to rest if needed. The goal is to de-escalate the situation and ensure the person leaves safely, not to continue or escalate drinking.