What should a server do when they suspect a patron is over-intoxicated?

When a server suspects that a patron is over-intoxicated, the appropriate action is to stop serving them alcohol and offer alternatives. This response is critical for several reasons.

First and foremost, responsible alcohol management is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of all patrons. Continuing to serve alcohol to someone who may already be over-intoxicated can lead to dangerous situations, including accidents, impaired judgment, and health risks. By ceasing alcohol service, the server actively protects not only the individual but also those around them.

Offering alternatives, such as non-alcoholic drinks or food, helps to mitigate the effects of alcohol and provides the patron with hydration and nourishment. This approach demonstrates a commitment to responsible service and reinforces the establishment’s dedication to promoting a safe environment.

Encouraging a patron to continue drinking water could inadvertently support further consumption of alcohol, which doesn’t address the core issue of over-intoxication. Ignoring the situation altogether disregards the server's responsibility to monitor patrons' alcohol consumption, while informing other customers about the situation can lead to unnecessary discomfort or embarrassment for the patron in question.