The Minibus, the Pub and the Long Drive Home
A country pub is a regular stop for a minibus of ten workers who finish a shift at 4 p.m. and stop for drinks before the hour-long drive back to the city. The driver, Karl, drinks two schooners of full-strength beer over about 90 minutes and eats a plate of chips. He is cheerful, steady and shows no obvious signs of intoxication. At 5:30 p.m. the group orders another round, and Karl orders a third schooner. Another worker, Lisa, has had four drinks and is laughing loudly and knocking the table. The pub's licence allows service until midnight, but the group says they must leave by 6 p.m. to get back. The bartender knows the group well and knows they always drive.
1. Should the bartender serve Karl a third schooner? Explain how the driving plan, the amount drunk and Karl's presentation affect the decision.
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The bartender should not serve Karl a third schooner. The fact that Karl shows no obvious signs of intoxication is not enough to justify serving him. He has already had two full-strength schooners in about 90 minutes and is the designated driver of a minibus with nine passengers. The combination of alcohol and driving is the central risk here, and the bartender knows the group always drives.
Karl's presentation is relevant but not decisive. Being cheerful and steady is a positive sign, but alcohol affects reaction time and judgment before outward signs become obvious. A person can appear steady and still be over the legal driving limit. The bartender cannot measure Karl's blood alcohol level, so the safe approach is to consider how much he has drunk, how recently, and the fact that he will be driving.
Food and time help somewhat, but they do not make a third schooner safe. The group plans to leave at 6 p.m., which gives Karl only a short time before driving. Serving him another full-strength beer would increase the risk that he drives over the limit.
The bartender should decline the third schooner and explain why: Karl is driving, and the pub will not serve him more alcohol. The bartender can offer a soft drink or water and should not be drawn into an argument. The decision is based on the risk to Karl, his passengers and other road users, not on whether Karl looks drunk.
2. Lisa is loud and knocking the table, and the group is about to leave. What should the bartender do about Lisa and about the group's departure, and what should be recorded?
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Lisa is showing signs of intoxication: she is laughing loudly and knocking the table, which suggests reduced coordination. The bartender should stop serving Lisa alcohol and should not include her in any further round. She should be offered water and food, and staff should check that she is safe.
The group's departure is the more serious issue. Karl has been refused further alcohol, but he has still had two schooners and plans to drive a minibus with nine passengers. The bartender should speak to Karl and, if possible, to another member of the group, and make clear that the pub does not want him driving if he may be over the limit. The bartender can suggest alternatives: waiting longer, calling a taxi or arranging another driver. The bartender cannot physically stop Karl from driving, but they should make the concern clear and record it.
Lisa should not be left to travel if she is significantly intoxicated, and staff should consider whether she is safe to get home. If the group insists on leaving, the bartender should note the time, what was served, the refusal of Karl's third drink, the concerns raised about driving and any alternatives offered.
The record should be factual and made soon after the event. It protects the bartender and the venue and shows that the duty of care was taken seriously. If the group leaves and staff believe Karl is driving while over the limit, the venue's policy may require notifying police.