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 Message 2406 of 22774 in Behind the Bar
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Subject: Re: Should a bartender be responsible for a drunk man leaving?
From: SwizzleStick
Posted: Sat Jul 19. 2003, 13:43 UTC
Followup to: "Re: Should a bartender be responsible for a drunk man leaving?"  by Daniel  (Sat Jul 19. 2003, 05:19 UTC)
I know this is an area of much debate, So I'll throw in my unpopular $.02.

I am of the opinion (and teach my students) that a bartender is absolutely 
responsible for the drunkeness of their customer IN MOST CASES.

When is a bartender not responsible:
1. In very large clubs where the bartender never sees the customer.
2. When a customer leaves the club and continues to consume either in their 
car or somewhere else.
3. When a customer combines liquor and drugs.
4. When a bartender cuts off the customer and allows them to stay, but insists 
a cab be called - then the customer sneeks out because they don't want to 
leave their car in the lot.

Otherwise, every professional bartender knows the effects of alcohol and knows 
that the first symptom of drinking is a loss of common sense. AKA, the 
customer soon doesn't know or care how many drinks they have had. Since, in 
many cases, the bartender and other staff are the only sober people in the 
bar, it is their responsibility to look out for the customer. This includes, 
but is not limited to, controlling the service of alcohol, stopping problems 
before they occur, keeping jerks from spiking girls drinks and making sure 
each and every customer is able to get home safely. Don't like it - then get 
out of the SERVICE industry.

I know many bartenders that would do anything to get rid of any and all 
responsibility they have. All they want is their tips and girls phone numbers.

Sorry guys/gals, it doesn't work that way. I could not live with myself if I 
knew that someone I served (that was obviously intoxicated)left and was either 
killed or killed someone else (especially if that someone else was my wife 
coming to visit me).

Besides, you should adopt this policy if for no other reason than it is the 
law in most states in the US. Regardless of whether or not they are a Dram 
shop state.

There are too many bartenders that have seen too many movies where a couple of 
drunks try and prove themselves by drinking someone else under the table.

Remember, that what you are intrusted to serve responsibly is a DRUG, the most 
addictive drug known. The only other people that can legally distribute drugs 
in this manner are doctors or pharmacists. When you fail to keep this in mind, 
you fail your customer.


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