While on duty, you notice your colleague overserving a patron who is clearly showing signs of intoxication. Your colleague dismisses your concerns, stating the patron is a big spender and they don't want to lose the tip. What is your ethical and legal responsibility in this situation?

Question: While on duty, you notice your colleague overserving a patron who is clearly showing signs of intoxication. Your colleague dismisses your concerns, stating the patron is a big spender and they don't want to lose the tip. What is your ethical and legal responsibility in this situation?

Answer options:

• Continue to serve your own tables, as it's not your direct responsibility to intervene with another server's patrons unless an incident occurs. ✅ Report your colleague's actions and the overserved patron to your supervisor immediately.
• Discreetly try to cut off the patron yourself by telling them the kitchen is closing for food, rather than alcohol.
• Offer to take over the table from your colleague to ensure the patron is no longer served alcohol.

Correct answer: Report your colleague's actions and the overserved patron to your supervisor immediately.

Explanation: All staff in a licensed establishment share a collective responsibility to prevent overservice and ensure patron safety, regardless of who is directly serving. Oberserving is illegal and violates 'Serve It Right' principles, carrying significant liability. Reporting the incident to a supervisor is the correct legal and ethical step, as it addresses both the patron's intoxication and the colleague's irresponsible behaviour. Taking over the table or trying indirect methods may not be effective or may put you in a difficult position without official backing. Ignoring the situation is irresponsible.