Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) Practice Exam

What should a server do if they suspect a customer is drunk?

1. Serve them a coffee

2. Cut them off from further alcohol

3. Inform the customer’s friends

4. Encourage them to drink water

The correct answer is: Cut them off from further alcohol

When a server suspects that a customer is intoxicated, the appropriate action is to cut them off from further alcohol. This practice is essential for ensuring the safety of the customer, other patrons, and the establishment itself. Serving alcohol to someone who is already showing signs of intoxication can lead to dangerous situations, including potential harm to the individual or liability for the establishment. Cutting off service serves multiple purposes: it helps prevent further impairment, reduces the risk of accidents or altercations, and aligns with responsible alcohol service guidelines set forth by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. Establishments are legally obligated to monitor their guests' alcohol consumption and take proactive measures when necessary. While serving coffee, informing friends, or encouraging water can seem like supportive actions, they do not directly address the immediate responsibility of the server to ensure that additional alcohol is not served to an intoxicated guest. The focus should be on preventing further intoxication, which is why cutting off service is the most appropriate and responsible response in this situation.