Recognizing and Preventing Sales to Visibly Intoxicated Persons
The Legal Standard
Arizona law prohibits selling or furnishing alcohol to a person who is visibly intoxicated. The key word is visible: the signs must be observable to a reasonable server. You are not required to measure blood alcohol; you are required to notice and act on behavior.
Signs of Intoxication
Candidates should be able to list observable indicators: slurred or loud speech, bloodshot or glassy eyes, unsteady balance or stumbling, fumbling with money or a phone, aggressive or overly friendly behavior, drowsiness, vomiting, and a strong odor of alcohol. Quantity consumed matters less than current condition: a person who has had two drinks but is impaired must be cut off. Conversely, a person who has had several drinks but shows no signs still deserves careful monitoring.
Intervention Techniques
Use a graduated response: slow service, offer water and food, suggest a ride, and finally refuse further alcohol. Never argue or embarrass the guest; be firm and brief. Notify a manager and document the refusal. Watch for the guest who leaves and returns, or who gets drinks from friends. Do not serve someone you believe will drive impaired; offer to call a taxi or rideshare.
Traps
Questions often suggest that a server may keep serving as long as the guest has a designated driver, is not driving, or is not causing trouble. None of these excuses service to a visibly intoxicated person. Another trap: assuming that switching to beer or coffee sobers someone up. Only time removes alcohol.
Rule of Thumb
If you would hesitate to let the guest drive, do not serve another drink. When in doubt, stop service, involve a manager, and offer alternatives.