A patron claims to be an off-duty police officer and demands to be served alcohol despite showing clear signs of intoxication, stating you cannot refuse them. How should you respond?

Question: A patron claims to be an off-duty police officer and demands to be served alcohol despite showing clear signs of intoxication, stating you cannot refuse them. How should you respond?

Answer options:

• Serve them to avoid confrontation, but discreetly inform your manager about their behaviour once they leave. ✅ Remind them firmly but politely that responsible service rules apply to everyone, and you must refuse service due to their intoxication.
• Ask for their badge number as proof of being an officer. If they provide it, you should consider serving them.
• Call 911 immediately due to the patron impersonating an officer and making demands.

Correct answer: Remind them firmly but politely that responsible service rules apply to everyone, and you must refuse service due to their intoxication.

Explanation: No one, regardless of profession or status (including off-duty law enforcement), is exempt from liquor laws or the regulations in Saskatchewan regarding service to intoxicated persons. You have a legal obligation to refuse service to anyone who appears intoxicated. Firmly and politely explaining this is the correct response. Serving them would be a violation. Asking for a badge number is irrelevant to their intoxicated state. Calling 911 is an escalation not warranted solely by their claim or intoxication; only if they became violent or destructive.