A patron becomes belligerent and starts verbally abusing another customer after being cut off from alcohol service. They show no signs of physical violence but are causing a clear disturbance. What is the immediate and required next step for the licensee or staff, beyond stopping service?

Question: A patron becomes belligerent and starts verbally abusing another customer after being cut off from alcohol service. They show no signs of physical violence but are causing a clear disturbance. What is the immediate and required next step for the licensee or staff, beyond stopping service?

Answer options:

• Move the belligerent patron to a quieter area of the establishment to de-escalate the situation. ✅ Alert management and request that the patron be immediately removed from the premises.
• Offer the patron a free non-alcoholic drink to calm them down.
• Call the police immediately due to the disturbance.

Correct answer: Alert management and request that the patron be immediately removed from the premises.

Explanation: Once a patron clearly becomes belligerent and disruptive after being cut off, they must be removed from the premises by management or licensed staff. Their continued presence poses a further risk to other patrons and the establishment's liquor license. Option A is temporary and risks continued disturbance. Option C is an inappropriate response to belligerent behaviour. Option D may be necessary if they refuse to leave or become violent, but removal by staff is the immediate next step.