A server notices an intoxicated patron's friend, who appears sober, attempting to purchase a drink for their intoxicated companion. The server knows the friend is sober and of legal age. What is the server's immediate legal obligation?

Question: A server notices an intoxicated patron's friend, who appears sober, attempting to purchase a drink for their intoxicated companion. The server knows the friend is sober and of legal age. What is the server's immediate legal obligation?

Answer options:

• Serve the sober friend, but ask them not to give the drink to their intoxicated companion. ✅ Refuse to serve the sober friend, explaining that purchasing alcohol for an intoxicated person is illegal.
• Serve the sober friend and then closely monitor whether the drink is indeed given to the intoxicated person.
• Confiscate the drink once it has been transferred to the intoxicated person.

Correct answer: Refuse to serve the sober friend, explaining that purchasing alcohol for an intoxicated person is illegal.

Explanation: Under BC liquor laws, it is illegal to provide alcohol to an intoxicated person, either directly or indirectly. Serving the sober friend when it's clear the drink is intended for an intoxicated person would make the server liable for permitting the provision of alcohol to an intoxicated individual. Therefore, the server must refuse service to the sober friend. Asking them not to transfer it is insufficient, and monitoring is reactive, not proactive. Confiscating after the transfer is also a reactive measure, whereas proactive refusal is required.