A group of young adults is celebrating, and one patron is repeatedly buying rounds of shots for everyone. You notice she is becoming increasingly boisterous, stumbling slightly, and slurring her words. Another patron at the table is observed giving her cash to buy more drinks. What is the most appropriate and compliant action?

Question: A group of young adults is celebrating, and one patron is repeatedly buying rounds of shots for everyone. You notice she is becoming increasingly boisterous, stumbling slightly, and slurring her words. Another patron at the table is observed giving her cash to buy more drinks. What is the most appropriate and compliant action?

Answer options:

• Serve the requested drinks to avoid confrontation, but monitor the entire table closely and prepare to cut them off if they get worse.
• Refuse service of shots immediately to the intoxicated patron and discreetly inform her that you cannot serve her further alcohol. ✅ Refuse service of shots to the entire table, explaining that one patron is visibly intoxicated and others enabling her.
• Remove the intoxicated patron from the premises, as she is clearly over the limit.

Correct answer: Refuse service of shots to the entire table, explaining that one patron is visibly intoxicated and others enabling her.

Explanation: When one patron is visibly intoxicated and others at the same table are actively enabling their continued consumption (e.g., buying them drinks), the responsible action is to refuse service to the entire group. This prevents further overservice and addresses the enabling behaviour. Refusing only the individual might not be effective if others continue to try and purchase for them. Removing the patron from the premises may be a later step if they refuse to leave after service is cut off, but the immediate action is to stop providing more alcohol.