Upon stopping alcohol service to an obviously intoxicated person, the server should

• A. Continue to serve water only
• B. Evict immediately
• C. Apologize and continue to serve alcohol
• D. Offer the patron a non-alcoholic beverage or food item

Answer: (D)

Stopping alcohol service to an obviously intoxicated person is about safety and responsible service. The best action is to offer a non-alcoholic beverage or a food item. A non-alcoholic drink helps keep the patron hydrated and can reduce the urge to drink more, while food can slow alcohol absorption and lessen peak intoxication. This approach shows care and respect, keeps the conversation calm, and lets you continue to monitor the patron's condition. If needed, you can apologize for the inconvenience and explain that you can’t serve more alcohol; you might also discuss safe transportation or a plan to ensure the patron’s safety. Other options either don’t address the underlying risk (continuing with only water) or could escalate the situation (evicting immediately) or worsen safety by keeping alcohol flowing.