A customer consistently orders multiple drinks at a time for their table of friends. While their friends appear fine, this individual is becoming visibly intoxicated. The customer then orders another round, including one for themselves. What is the correct response?

Question: A customer consistently orders multiple drinks at a time for their table of friends. While their friends appear fine, this individual is becoming visibly intoxicated. The customer then orders another round, including one for themselves. What is the correct response?

Answer options:

• Serve the drinks, but only for the friends, not the visibly intoxicated individual.
• Refuse service of any alcohol to the entire table, as they are purchasing for an intoxicated person. ✅ Politely inform the customer that you cannot serve them any more alcohol, but you can serve drinks to their sober friends.
• Serve the entire round, but offer water and food to the intoxicated customer.

Correct answer: Politely inform the customer that you cannot serve them any more alcohol, but you can serve drinks to their sober friends.

Explanation: Permit holders and staff are prohibited from serving alcohol to an intoxicated person, or to anyone who is purchasing alcohol on behalf of an intoxicated person. In this scenario, the customer themselves is intoxicated. You can refuse service to the intoxicated individual while still serving their sober friends, provided the sober friends are not passing drinks back to the intoxicated person. Option A is a partial solution but if the intoxicated person is ordering it is best to refuse them directly. Option B may be an overreaction if the friends are not participating in the intoxication. Option D is illegal and irresponsible as you cannot serve an intoxicated person.