The Wedding Function and the Hidden Flask
A licensed function centre is hosting a wedding for 120 guests. The package includes a three-hour drinks service with beer, wine and soft drink, and the couple has been told that no outside alcohol may be brought in. At 9 p.m., halfway through the reception, a staff member notices a group of six men at a side table passing around a hip flask and pouring clear spirit into their glasses of orange juice. One of the men, Ben, is the groom's brother. He is loud, has spilled his drink, and is telling a story with exaggerated gestures. Another man in the group is asleep in his chair. The bar is still open for another hour. The groom's mother approaches staff and says, 'Just let them be, it's a wedding.'
1. What are the venue's obligations regarding the flask and the group's behaviour, and how should staff respond to the groom's mother?
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The venue has an obligation to control the service of alcohol on its premises and to prevent intoxication and the supply of alcohol to people who are or may become intoxicated. The flask is outside alcohol brought onto licensed premises contrary to the venue's conditions and the couple's agreement. Staff should not ignore it because it is a wedding.
The staff member should calmly approach the group, ask for the flask to be handed over and explain that outside alcohol is not permitted. The flask should be removed and kept safely, with the venue's policy followed on returning it at the end of the night. The group should be told that drinks will be served by staff only.
Ben's behaviour is also a concern. He is loud, has spilled his drink and is gesturing widely, which suggests he may be becoming intoxicated, especially since he has been adding spirit to his drinks. The man asleep in his chair is a further sign that the group's drinking is not being managed. Staff should stop serving Ben alcohol and check on the sleeping man.
When the groom's mother intervenes, staff should be polite but clear. They can acknowledge that it is a special day, but explain that the venue has legal responsibilities and that the flask cannot stay. They should not argue, and if she persists they should refer the matter to the duty manager. Being firm is not rude; it is the venue doing what it is required to do.
2. Ben becomes angry when asked for the flask and says the staff are ruining the wedding. Outline how staff should manage the escalation, including the sleeping guest and the remaining hour of service.
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Staff should stay calm and avoid a public confrontation. One staff member should speak to Ben quietly, away from the centre of the room if possible, while another keeps an eye on the group. The message should be short and consistent: the flask must be handed over, and service of alcohol to Ben will stop because of his behaviour and signs of intoxication. Staff should not try to win the argument or embarrass Ben in front of the wedding guests.
The sleeping guest needs attention. A person who is asleep after drinking may be at risk, particularly if they cannot be roused easily or are in a position where they could fall or choke. Staff should check on him, try to wake him gently, and if he cannot be roused or seems unwell, follow the venue's first-aid and emergency procedures. He should not simply be left asleep in a chair.
Because the bar is open for another hour, staff should consider the whole group. The flask should be removed, Ben should not be served, and the other men should be assessed individually. If the group continues to cause concern, the duty manager should be involved and, if necessary, the group may be asked to leave. The venue should also consider whether the bar should close early for that table.
The incident should be recorded afterwards: the flask, the refusal, Ben's behaviour, the sleeping guest and the steps taken. The groom's family should be informed by the duty manager in a calm way, so the venue's position is clear and the wedding can continue as smoothly as possible.