Recognizing the Signs of Intoxication

Oct 13, 2025 by recoveryshake.com 138 views

Dealing with a Potentially Intoxicated Customer: A Guide to Responsible Service

As a service provider, you have a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of your customers. If you suspect that a customer appears intoxicated and is about to leave, it's essential to take the right steps to prevent any potential harm. In this article, we'll explore the best course of action to take in this situation and provide guidance on what to say to the customer.

Recognizing the Signs of Intoxication

Before we dive into the steps you should take, it's essential to recognize the signs of intoxication. These can include:

Slurred speech
Unsteady gait
Difficulty with coordination
Bloodshot eyes
Drowsiness or confusion
Aggressive or belligerent behavior

If you suspect that a customer is intoxicated, it's crucial to take a step back and assess the situation carefully. Don't try to diagnose the customer's level of intoxication, but rather focus on ensuring their safety.

What to Do First

If you suspect that a customer appears intoxicated and is about to leave, the first thing you should do is notify your manager. This is crucial in ensuring that the situation is handled properly and that the customer's safety is prioritized.

What to Say to the Customer

When speaking to the customer, it's essential to be empathetic and non-confrontational. Here are some phrases you can use:

"I'm concerned about your safety, and I want to make sure you get home okay. Would you like me to call a cab for you?"
"I think it's a good idea for you to get a ride home. Would you like me to call a cab or a ride-sharing service for you?"
"I'm worried about you, and I want to make sure you're okay. Can I call a cab for you or help you get a ride home?"

Offering Alternative Transportation

If the customer refuses your offer to call a cab, it's essential to continue to press the issue. You can say:

"I understand that you don't want to call a cab, but I'm still concerned about your safety. Can I call a friend or family member to come pick you up?"
"I'm not going to let you leave until I know you're safe. Can I call a ride-sharing service for you or help you get a ride home?"

Notifying Your Manager

As mentioned earlier, it's essential to notify your manager as soon as possible. This will ensure that the situation is handled properly and that the customer's safety is prioritized. Your manager can:

Assess the situation and determine the best course of action
Call a cab or a ride-sharing service for the customer
Contact local authorities if necessary
Provide additional support and guidance to the customer

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when dealing with a potentially intoxicated customer:

Always prioritize the customer's safety and well-being
Be empathetic and non-confrontational when speaking to the customer
Don't try to diagnose the customer's level of intoxication
Don't serve the customer any more drinks
Don't let the customer leave until you're sure they're safe

Conclusion

Dealing with a potentially intoxicated customer can be a challenging situation, but by following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure their safety and well-being. Remember to prioritize the customer's safety, be empathetic and non-confrontational, and don't try to diagnose their level of intoxication. By following these tips, you can provide responsible service and help prevent any potential harm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What if the customer refuses my offer to call a cab? A: Continue to press the issue and offer alternative transportation options, such as calling a friend or family member to come pick them up.
Q: What if the customer is belligerent or aggressive? A: Stay calm and try to de-escalate the situation. Call your manager for support and guidance.
Q: What if the customer is underage? A: Don't serve the customer any more drinks and notify your manager immediately.

Resources

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

References

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2020). Drinking and Driving.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2020). Intoxication and Substance Abuse.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Intoxication and Injury Prevention.
Frequently Asked Questions: Dealing with a Potentially Intoxicated Customer

As a service provider, you may encounter situations where a customer appears intoxicated and is about to leave. In this article, we'll answer some frequently asked questions to help you navigate these situations.

Q: What are the signs of intoxication?

A: The signs of intoxication can include:

Slurred speech
Unsteady gait
Difficulty with coordination
Bloodshot eyes
Drowsiness or confusion
Aggressive or belligerent behavior

Q: What should I do if I suspect a customer is intoxicated?

A: If you suspect a customer is intoxicated, you should:

Notify your manager immediately
Assess the situation carefully
Don't try to diagnose the customer's level of intoxication
Don't serve the customer any more drinks
Don't let the customer leave until you're sure they're safe

Q: What should I say to the customer if they appear intoxicated?

A: When speaking to the customer, it's essential to be empathetic and non-confrontational. You can say:

"I'm concerned about your safety, and I want to make sure you get home okay. Would you like me to call a cab for you?"
"I think it's a good idea for you to get a ride home. Would you like me to call a cab or a ride-sharing service for you?"
"I'm worried about you, and I want to make sure you're okay. Can I call a cab for you or help you get a ride home?"

Q: What if the customer refuses my offer to call a cab?

A: Continue to press the issue and offer alternative transportation options, such as calling a friend or family member to come pick them up. You can say:

"I understand that you don't want to call a cab, but I'm still concerned about your safety. Can I call a friend or family member to come pick you up?"
"I'm not going to let you leave until I know you're safe. Can I call a ride-sharing service for you or help you get a ride home?"

Q: What if the customer is belligerent or aggressive?

A: Stay calm and try to de-escalate the situation. Call your manager for support and guidance. You can say:

"I understand that you're upset, but I'm here to help you. Can we talk about what's going on?"
"I'm not going to engage in a conversation that's becoming aggressive. Can I call a manager to come and help us?"

Q: What if the customer is underage?

A: Don't serve the customer any more drinks and notify your manager immediately. You can say:

"I'm sorry, but you're underage and can't be served any more drinks. Can I call a manager to come and help us?"
"I'm not going to serve you any more drinks. Can I call a ride-sharing service for you or help you get a ride home?"

Q: What if the customer is a repeat offender?

A: If the customer is a repeat offender, you should:

Document the incident and report it to your manager
Review your policies and procedures to ensure they're being followed
Consider implementing additional measures to prevent future incidents

Q: What if I'm unsure about what to do?

A: If you're unsure about what to do, you should:

Call your manager for guidance and support
Review your policies and procedures to ensure you're following the correct protocol
Consider seeking additional training or education on dealing with intoxicated customers