SmartServe Ontario Practice Exam

How should servers respond when they notice intoxication in their guests?

1. Encourage them to drink more water

2. Continue serving alcohol until the guests leave

3. Stop serving alcohol and offer food instead

4. Ignore the behavior as it's not their responsibility

The correct answer is: Stop serving alcohol and offer food instead

Stopping the service of alcohol and offering food instead is the most appropriate response when servers notice intoxication in their guests. This approach prioritizes the safety and well-being of the guests. Serving food can help to slow the absorption of alcohol in the bloodstream, which can mitigate the effects of intoxication. Additionally, ceasing to serve alcohol aligns with responsible service practices, ensuring that servers fulfill their duty of care. This action not only demonstrates a commitment to responsible alcohol service but also helps prevent potential incidents related to overconsumption, ensuring a safer environment for everyone in the establishment. Encouraging guests to drink more water could be well-intended, but it does not address the immediate concern of their intoxication and may still allow for continued alcohol consumption. Continuing to serve alcohol until the guests leave directly contradicts the responsibility of servers to assess and respond to signs of intoxication. Ignoring the behavior neglects the server's duty to manage guest safety and the overall environment of the establishment.