What to Do If an Intoxicated Person Tries to Drive

Keeping the Roads Safe: Your Role When Intoxicated Patrons Want to Drive

Hey there! Let’s talk about something that’s as serious as it is necessary when it comes to hospitality: handling situations where an intoxicated person tries to drive away from your establishment. You know, it doesn’t matter if you run a cozy little dive bar in Austin or a swanky cocktail lounge in Dallas; keeping our roads safe is everyone's job.

The Scenario: A Bit Too Much Cheer

Picture this: it's a bustling Friday night, and your place is packed. The music is pumping, laughter fills the air, and drinks are flowing. Suddenly, you notice someone who’s had one too many. They're stumbling and, without a second thought, they head for their car. Panic sets in, and you think, "What should I do?"

Here’s the thing—this is a moment that demands a responsible act of intervention. Keeping our roads safe isn’t just about brews and cocktails; it’s about the people, too, right?

What to Do? The Best Choices

So, what’s the right move? Let’s break down the options you might consider:

• A. Let them go; it’s not the establishment’s responsibility.

This choice might be tempting in the moment, but neglecting the situation does little to protect anyone. Plus, letting them drive can have devastating consequences—not just for them but for innocent bystanders too.

• B. Report them to law enforcement immediately.

While this might feel like a dramatic play, you don’t always need law enforcement involved at every turn. Sure, if things escalate, it can be necessary, but let’s aim to handle things before escalating to that level.

• C. Offer them a ride home.

Ding, ding, ding! We've got a winner! This is the most responsible action, no question about it. Offering that ride home doesn’t just prioritize their safety; it also shows them that you care. Plus, how great does it feel to help someone avoid a nasty run-in with the law?

• D. Encourage them to stay longer.

While it can be tempting to try and keep a patron around for more business, this option doesn’t address the underlying issue of their intoxication. Ignoring the situation only prolongs the risk.

Why Offering a Ride Home Matters

Offering a ride home is more than just a gesture; it's about caring for your patrons and fostering a culture of responsibility in your establishment. When someone consumes alcohol, their ability to make safe choices diminishes significantly. Their reflexes slow down, their judgment falters—the last thing they should be doing is getting behind the wheel.

By providing them a ride, you’re not only acting as a good Samaritan but also embodying the values laid out by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC). It’s part of responsible serving, ensuring that your patrons leave in a safe and sound state. After all, when patrons feel cared for, they’re more likely to return with friends!

The Bigger Picture: Community Impact

Now, let’s take a moment to think bigger. When you prioritize safety, you’re helping build a community that values the wellbeing of its members. Every drunk driving accident avoided is a potential life saved. So even though it might feel like one small act, it can ripple out in ways you might not even realize.

You might even find that having a designated driver program or partnerships with rideshare services can boost your reputation. Patrons will adore the idea of having safe options and appreciate your commitment to making the experience fun—without the risks.

What Happens if You Don’t Intervene?

Let’s explore the potential consequences if you choose not to step in. If a customer drives away while intoxicated, and something happens—an accident, for instance—your establishment could face legal repercussions. It might sound harsh, but the truth is, the responsibility doesn’t just vanish when they walk out the door. It's a hefty weight for any business to carry.

Besides the legal ramifications, think about how it might affect your community. The stories—consider the families impacted by accidents, the loved ones lost; these aren’t just statistics. They’re real people with real stories. Protecting your patrons means protecting everyone in your surrounding community.

Wrapping it Up

So the next time you find yourself in the position where someone is about to drive away while intoxicated, remember: Offering a ride home isn’t just the right thing to do; it's the responsible thing to do. It embodies the core values that make the hospitality industry not just about serving drinks but about serving our communities too.

Cheers to making the right choices and keeping the roads safe for all! And remember, each little act counts; helping one person today could change their future—and that’s a responsibility we can all take pride in.