07-06-2015 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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sA.L.r!s4 Safely Intervening with Intoxicated Persons Here are some methods for dealing with customers who are in the "Red" category: 1. Advise management, security or other servers of your deci- sion to refuse service. (Note: Management must back up servers' decisions to cut off service. If they do not, the server will not be as likely to act so responsibly again.) 2. Be courteous, but firm. 3. Don't back the customer in a corner or embarrass the cus- tomer if it can be avoided. 4. Avoid judgmental statements such as "You have had too much to drink," "You should go home," or anything else that sounds like you know what is best for the person. Rather, focus on yourself and the problems you will have if you serve the person. For example: "I can't serve you any more," "I may lose my job," "I have served you all I can," "The police are cracking down," or "I could be arrested." 5. Do not bargain or back down once you make the decision to terminate service. 6. If a customer becomes intoxicated, provide a safe ride for them. If the customer is with a group, get a sober group member to drive the customer home. Or, call a cab, family member or friend. While the customer is waiting for their safe ride, offer an alternative beverage and/or food. While these things do not sober the customer, they keep the cus- tomer busy while the body eliminates some of the alcohol. If the customer refuses your help in providing a safe ride, get the license plate number and a description of their vehicle and notify the police. The fact that a customer is not driving a motor vehicle does not allow you to over -serve them. 7. Be sure to document this intervention with the intoxicated patron. To learn more about documenting incidents, see the next page. A Final Word: When in doubt, DO NOT SERVE. You have a legal and moral responsibility to prevent customers from becoming intoxicated. Also, it is safer and easier to cut off service before someone becomes intoxicated.