When you serve alcohol, you share responsibility for guests' safety. Responsible beverage service means checking age where required, spotting intoxication and refusing service politely. Rules vary by country, so follow your venue's policy and local law.
Why it matters
Serving someone underage or visibly drunk can cause accidents, fights and legal trouble for you and the venue.
Key ideas
Checking ID
Many venues check anyone who looks younger than a set age above the legal limit. Check the photo and date of birth.
Signs of intoxication
Watch for slurred speech, stumbling, glassy eyes, spilled drinks or aggression. Several signs together mean no more alcohol.
Duty of care
Offer water and food, slow the pace and help guests get home safely. Never serve someone visibly drunk.
Step by step
- 1
Ask for ID from anyone who looks under your age threshold.
- 2
Watch how much and how fast guests are drinking.
- 3
Offer water or food at the first signs of intoxication.
- 4
Involve your manager when you need to refuse service.
- 5
Refuse privately and politely, logging it if required.
Do
- Keep your tone calm, quiet and non-judgemental.
- Offer soft drinks, water or food instead.
- Back up colleagues who refuse service.
Common mistakes
- Don't serve a friend buying for someone drunk or underage.
- Don't argue with or embarrass a guest in front of others.
- Don't accept ID that looks damaged, altered or borrowed.
The situation
A guest who has been drinking for hours is slurring and swaying, and asks for another round.
What a professional does
You alert your manager, then quietly tell the guest you cannot serve more alcohol but can offer water. Your manager helps arrange safe transport home.
Useful phrases
“I'm sorry, I can't serve you more alcohol tonight, but I can get you some water.”
“Could I see some ID, please?”
Pro tip
Refuse the drink, not the person: never comment on their character.
Quick check
A guest shows signs of intoxication but insists they are fine. What do you do?
Think about it, then show the answer
Stop serving alcohol, offer water or food, involve your manager and refuse politely.