Let me start by saying that every situation is different,and must be treated
in its own context.
Hopefully your regular patrons have enough respect for you and understand what
and why you are cutting them off. Hopefully your long standing relationship
has demostrated care for the other.
If not (or with groups you do not have a strong relationship with) i always
train bartenders , managers and security to watch the group and how they
interact with each other. In every group there is the "rational guy"; the
semi leader of he group who can be approached with causing a scene and allow
peer pressure to take care of the situation. Or if its a corporate thing,
find out who booked the party or find the boss (but let your boss talk to thir
boss! Keep it on the "same level")
The key to cutting someone off is to choose the words and the enviornment
where it will not cause him or her the need to "show off" to his friends. The
last thing you want is to get the group on his side of an argument!
Your managers, security and coworkers should run scenarios and talk with each
other on how to do this. Find a coinsultant (like me) who can come and
facilitate a little training.
--
Chris
www.sfbarman.netwww.sfbarman.barstore.com