It is illegal to sell alcoholic beverages to anyone who appears intoxicated. Employees should feel empowered by management to refuse to sell or serve alcohol to someone they suspect is overserved. Employees also should receive regular training on detecting intoxication, as well as instruction concerning their own rights to refuse service to any patron based not only on intoxication, but also on unruly or dangerous behavior. Permittees are required under ABC laws to maintain an orderly and safe premise. Establishments that develop a reputation for turning dozens of intoxicated patrons onto the streets at closing time or that regularly have fights or other dangerous situations inside or outside the premises requiring law enforcement intervention generally have very short lifespans for their permits.
All permittees should have written rules for employees regarding dealing with intoxicated patrons and checking IDs.
