There comes a time in every bartender’s career when you will have to cut a patron off because they have had too much to drink, and knowing when to ‘cut someone off’ is one of the things that the Responsible Service of Alcohol teaches you. You will have many reasons for doing this; first they can become a danger to themselves or others if allowed to leave while intoxicated. They can also become disruptive or belligerent and make other customers at the bar or you uncomfortable. The smartest thing you can do is to draw the line before they become too drunk to manage or function.
Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) teaches you what body language to look out for
You will notice changes in the persons behavior that will clue you in to how intoxicated they are becoming. Responsible Service of Alcohol trains you to listen for slurring in their speech when they order drinks or as they are talking to friends. Watch for glassy, unfocused eyes, and for uncoordinated walking, slumping, or any other movement that seems off balance. Pay attention to how they are interacting with others, if you are aware, you can avoid unnecessary fights. Another helpful service that will assist with your responsible service of alcohol is hiring RSA security for your next party or event. When you cut a patron off, there are several steps you can take. First begin early on, start serving them less liquor if they are drinking mixed drinks.
Take longer to serve them between drinks, it will force them to drink slower and consume less. The Responsible Service of Alcohol training teaches you that, if they start showing signs of intoxication like the ones listed above, tell them that you no longer feel comfortable serving them. Explain that you feel they are becoming to drunk and you are concerned about their safety. Do not let them argue with you or try to persuade you that they are still sober. You are the bartender and you know best; trust your gut. Even if they aren’t feeling the alcohol at the moment, it could hit in five to ten minutes.
Do not let anyone leave the bar if you feel they are incapable of driving home safely. By completing a Responsible Service of Alcohol training, you will know when to enlist in the help of a bouncer, or the person’s friends. Serve the patron water and allow them to sit with you until you feel they can safely leave, and follow you’re establishments guidelines on how to manage these patrons, so that they get home safely and do leave you liable for any accidents or issues.
Every once in awhile, you may find yourself turning away a customer because they come into your bar already intoxicated. Remember you are not obligated to serve any person that you feel is already drunk. In most places allowing a person who has too much to drink to leave, can cause you or the bar to be liable for any accidents that can ensue.