An establishment's general manager instructed staff to 'push' sales of premium alcoholic beverages, even if patrons show early signs of intoxication, to meet profit targets. What is the ethical and legal implication of this instruction for the servers?

Question: An establishment's general manager instructed staff to 'push' sales of premium alcoholic beverages, even if patrons show early signs of intoxication, to meet profit targets. What is the ethical and legal implication of this instruction for the servers?

Answer options:

• Servers are legally obligated to follow management instructions, but should still monitor for severe intoxication. ✅ Servers could face personal legal liability and certification suspension for over-serving, regardless of management's directive.
• The general manager is solely liable as they issued the instruction; servers are just employees.
• This instruction is an acceptable business practice as long as it doesn't lead to serving 'visibly' intoxicated patrons.

Correct answer: Servers could face personal legal liability and certification suspension for over-serving, regardless of management's directive.

Explanation: Serving It Right certification emphasizes that servers are personally responsible for their actions regarding alcohol service and can face legal liability (fines, certification suspension) for over-serving, regardless of management pressure. Management instructions that contradict LCLB regulations do not absolve the server of their personal responsibility. Both the establishment and the server can be held liable. The instruction itself encourages illegal activity by promoting service to individuals showing 'early signs of intoxication'.