When is it permissible to refuse service based on intoxication if no local law prohibits serving intoxicated patrons?

• A. If serving would create a clear risk of harm to the patron or others, or if the establishment policy prohibits it.
• B. Never refuse.
• C. Only when the guest requests it.
• D. When it's busy.

Answer: (A)

Refusing service is acceptable when continuing to serve would create a clear risk of harm to the patron or to others, or when the establishment has a policy that prohibits serving intoxicated patrons. This reflects a safety-first approach: the responsibility of the venue is to prevent intoxication-related harm and to follow its own policies, even if local law does not ban serving someone who is intoxicated. If someone is visibly intoxicated, you can and should step back from serving them, and you can offer alternatives such as non-alcoholic drinks, food, or assistance with safe transportation.

Choosing to never refuse, only serve when asked, or refuse only because it’s busy ignores safety and policy considerations and is not appropriate.