Preventing Intoxication and Over-Service
Recognizing impairment
Servers must watch for signs of intoxication: slurred speech, bloodshot or unfocused eyes, poor coordination, stumbling, loud or aggressive behavior, overly friendly or emotional conduct, and slowed responses. Impairment depends on more than drink count-body weight, food intake, medications, fatigue, and time all matter. A small person who drank quickly can be more impaired than a larger person who drank slowly.
Service practices that prevent over-service
Standard practices include measuring pours, offering food and water, pacing service, and never serving someone who is already visibly intoxicated. Never serve doubles to someone showing signs, never encourage rapid consumption, and stop service before impairment becomes obvious. Offering a ride, calling a taxi, or holding keys are appropriate interventions.
The legal duty
Serving a visibly intoxicated person is itself a violation, regardless of whether that person later drives. Establishments and servers can face civil liability for harm caused by an intoxicated patron they served. The duty is to stop service, not to "cut them off after one more."
Traps to watch
A frequent trap is the customer who "seems fine" but has been drinking steadily; visible signs are not required for every impairment level, but visible signs mandate refusal. Another trap is the regular who is never questioned. A third is assuming coffee, food, or a cold shower sobers someone up-only time does.
Rule of thumb
When in doubt, stop pouring, offer water and food, and arrange safe transport.