Cutting Off and Discontinuing Alcohol Service–a Guide

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What are the common signs of intoxication?

Lack of physical coordination

  • Loss of muscle control
  • Missing mouth when raising the glass to drink
  • Inability to focus — squinting
  • Trouble picking up money or getting their wallet out
  • Dexterity problems with cell phone
  • Staggering when walking to and from the restrooms
  • Swaying while standing
  • Inconsiderate of others while on their cell phone
  • Becoming aggressive or annoying with other customers
  • Swearing
  • Complaining about service quality or price of drinks
  • Becoming overly friendly
  • Buying rounds of drinks for strangers
  • Losing concentration and train of thought
  • Avoiding eye contact
  • Bobbing head or eyelids drooping
  • Relaxed inhibitions
  • Impaired judgment
  • Slowed reaction time or deliberate movements
  • Disorderly behavior
  • Loud talking
  • Fumbling over words
  • Incoherent train of thought

Other Considerations

If a customer appears to explain a warning sign for possible intoxication, such as unsteady walking because of leg braces, look for additional signs that may signal intoxication. Since some characteristics of certain disabilities may mimic signs of intoxication, only through diligent communication can you assure that individuals with disabilities are treated fairly. Do not be afraid to ask questions.

DUI Place of Last Drink Program

In Washington State, law enforcement captures data from the DUI processing questionnaire regarding the place a DUI suspect may have consumed their last drink. LCB gets this data monthly from Washington State Patrol. Be aware that if a person involved in a DUI traffic stop identifies your business as their place of last drink, it may affect your license. It benefits licensees to help identify intoxication and eliminate over-service situations to prevent dangerous situations on our roads.

Alternate Transportation

It is much easier in the common era to arrange alternative transportation. If a guest has been drinking somewhere else, or has mixed their alcohol with other intoxicating substances, you can inadvertently find yourself with a drunk guest, who is not safe to drive. That is why Mandatory Alcohol Server Training has been enacted in Washington State. It aims to educate the folks actually serving the alcohol. Servers with their MAST cards, their MAST permits, understand their important role in keeping their communities safe. There is a ripple effect from establishment, to server, to community.

Thankfully, you have choices if a guest has become too intoxicated to safely drive. If they become upset at this –they have already been drinking too much.

  • Call them an Lyft or uber
  • Call a friend or family member

Also, please remember, if they get upset that day, when they return for their vehicle, they will be very thankful. Some servers have even been given flowers the next day by a grateful guest who has impaired judgment. That is, they were too drunk to know they were too drunk to drive

In Closing

Remember, alcohol affects everyone differently. A person’s level of intoxication may depend on how fast the person is drinking, the amount of food consumed, and other factors. Trust your judgement and lean on other servers or managers if you are uncertain. When in doubt, do not serve. Overserving someone showing signs of intoxication can be detrimental to both the business and public safety.