What Should You Do When a Customer Shows Signs of Intoxication?

What Should You Do When a Customer Shows Signs of Intoxication?

When it comes to responsible alcohol management, knowing how to handle intoxicated customers could be the line between safety and disaster. This isn’t just about following protocols; it’s about respecting human dignity while also keeping everyone in the environment safe. So, what should you do if a customer is visibly intoxicated? Let’s explore.

A. Encouraging More Water?

You might think it’s helpful to keep pouring water, hoping they'll feel better. But let's be honest here: encouraging continued consumption—whether of water or alcohol—doesn’t really solve the problem. There’s a fine line between offering hospitality and enabling further risk. How effective is hydration when judgment is clouded?

B. The Right Move: Safe Transportation

The clear winner is option B: arranging safe transportation. When you spot a patron who’s had one too many, the priority has to be their safety, as well as the safety of others around them. Booking a taxi or getting a designated driver isn’t just nice; it’s essential. This not only protects the individual from potential harm but also minimizes the risk of accidents, disturbances, and a host of other issues that can arise from driving under the influence.

Imagine this: it's late, and your regular seems unsteady, trying to muster the courage to leave. As they teeter towards the exit, their safety is probably the last thing on their mind. But as a responsible server, what do you do? Offering a safe ride home ensures they reach their destination unharmed and provides peace of mind for you, too.

C. Letting Them Sobber Up?

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking it's wise to let them wait it out. Allowing someone to linger until they “feel soberer” may sound reasonable, but, quite frankly, it’s a risky gamble. How sure can you be that they’re truly safe? Situations can escalate quickly when someone is intoxicated, and the longer they stay, the more complicated things may become.

D. Kicking Them Out, No Support?

As tempting as it might be to ask them to leave, sending someone packing without any support can be dangerous. It poses significant risks to their well-being and could even lead to legal ramifications for your establishment. Nobody wants to become the forum topic of local headlines about a tragic incident after a night out, right? A little forethought in these scenarios goes a long way.

Understanding Your Responsibility

When you choose to manage alcohol responsibly, it’s not only about following the rules; it’s about providing an atmosphere of safety and respect. Arranging safe transportation aligns perfectly with the principles of the Responsible Alcohol Management Program (RAMP). It's a practice that showcases your commitment to not only your patrons but to the community around you.

Conclusion

So, next time you encounter an intoxicated customer, remember: the most responsible thing you can do is ensure a safe journey home. It shows you care while staying aligned with the obligations of operating an establishment that serves alcohol. Let’s keep our community safe and make wise choices—because responsible management is not just a requirement; it’s the right thing to do.