You work at a restaurant licensed until 1:00 AM. At 12:55 AM, an elderly couple who have been quietly dining asks for one more glass of wine each to enjoy with their dessert. They appear completely sober. What is the correct decision?

Question: You work at a restaurant licensed until 1:00 AM. At 12:55 AM, an elderly couple who have been quietly dining asks for one more glass of wine each to enjoy with their dessert. They appear completely sober. What is the correct decision?

Answer options:

• Serve them, but remind them alcohol service ends at 1:00 AM. ✅ Politely inform them that due to the impending last call, you cannot serve them further alcohol.
• Serve them, but advise them to drink quickly as you need to clear all glasses by 1:00 AM.
• Refuse service and suggest a non-alcoholic beverage with their dessert.

Correct answer: Politely inform them that due to the impending last call, you cannot serve them further alcohol.

Explanation: A licensed establishment must ensure all alcohol is served while the license is active. Serving alcohol too close to the closing time makes it difficult, if not impossible, for patrons to consume it within the legal consumption period, which often aligns with closing. It's best practice to stop serving a reasonable amount of time before the official 'last call' or closing time to ensure compliance. Serving them alcohol at 12:55 AM means they likely cannot finish it before the 1:00 AM deadline, potentially leading to a violation. Therefore, respectfully declining further alcohol service is the safest and most compliant option.