Responsible Service Practices and Safe Transportation
Serve responsibly
Responsible service is a set of operating habits: standard-pour controls, water and food availability, slower service, and a clear last-call policy. Watch the room, not just your section. A patron who has been drinking for hours may be more impaired than a new customer with the same number of drinks. Never encourage speed drinking, drinking games, or “buy one, get one” pressure.
Safe transportation
Michigan does not require a licensee to drive patrons home, but responsible practice is to prevent an impaired person from driving. Offer to call a taxi or rideshare, contact a sober friend, or arrange a designated driver. If the patron insists on driving, do not physically take keys; call police if there is an immediate danger. Record what you offered and what the patron did.
Worked example
At closing, a patron is unsteady and reaches for his keys. The server says, “I can’t let you drive like this. I’ll call you a rideshare - it’s on us.” He refuses and walks to the lot. The server notes the time, calls the non-emergency police line, and gives the vehicle description. The bar has acted responsibly; the patron’s choice is documented.
Traps
- Over-serving at last call because tips are higher.
- Letting an impaired patron “just sit in the car” to sober up.
- Confiscating keys without a policy, which can create a confrontation.
- Failing to record the ride offer and the patron’s refusal.