California Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Alcohol Practice Exam

What should servers do if they suspect a patron is over-intoxicated?

1. Enhance their drink orders

2. Politely refuse to serve them more alcohol

3. Ignore the signs of intoxication

4. Report their behavior to the manager only

The correct answer is: Politely refuse to serve them more alcohol

When servers suspect that a patron is over-intoxicated, the appropriate action is to politely refuse to serve them more alcohol. This response is guided by responsible beverage service training, which emphasizes the importance of promoting the safety and well-being of all patrons. Continuing to serve an already intoxicated individual can lead to dangerous situations, including potential harm to the individual and others, legal liabilities for the establishment, and violations of local alcohol service laws. By refusing service in a polite manner, servers not only fulfill their responsibility to ensure a safe drinking environment but also demonstrate professionalism. This action helps in managing the situation effectively, allowing the server to maintain control of the bar environment and intervene before harmful situations arise. The other options listed do not align with responsible service practices. Enhancing drink orders could exacerbate the intoxication problem, ignoring signs of intoxication disregards the server's duty of care, and merely reporting behavior to the manager without taking action may not address the immediate risk. Thus, the choice to refuse service is both a correct and crucial approach in upholding responsible beverage service standards.