Recognizing Signs of Intoxication: The Bartender’s First Line of Defense

You hand a guest their third beer, and they fumble the glass. Is it just clumsy — or are they over the line? Spotting intoxication isn’t guesswork. It’s a skill every bartender and server needs to protect guests, themselves, and their license.

Why It Matters

Serving alcohol to an intoxicated guest is illegal in every U.S. state. Beyond fines or license suspensions, overserving can lead to accidents, lawsuits, and even criminal charges. The earlier you recognize the warning signs, the easier it is to step in before things get dangerous.

The What: Common Signs of Intoxication

Alcohol affects people differently, but there are universal red flags:

• Speech – Slurred, slowed, loud, or repeating themselves.
• Coordination – Stumbling, spilling drinks, swaying at the bar.
• Eyes – Glassy, bloodshot, or struggling to focus.
• Behavior – Sudden mood swings, arguing, over-friendly, or inappropriate.
• Reaction Time – Slow to answer questions, fumbling for ID, difficulty paying.

Pro Tip: Watch for changes. If a quiet guest suddenly becomes loud or aggressive, that shift is as important as physical signs.

The How: Steps to Handle It

1. Slow Service – Suggest food or water, delay the next round.
2. Engage in Conversation – Asking a simple question can reveal delayed responses.
3. Team Awareness – Alert coworkers so everyone’s on the same page.
4. Refuse Politely if Needed – “For your safety, I can’t serve you another.”
5. Document the Incident – Note the date, time, and behavior for records.

Where & When It Matters Most

• Happy Hours – Fast orders = rising BAC before signs are obvious.
• Special Events – Holidays, concerts, or sports games where guests pre-game.
• Late Night – Guests who’ve already been drinking elsewhere often arrive close to intoxication.

Real-World Example

In 2018, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) fined a bar in Austin after investigators observed staff continuing to serve a patron who was visibly intoxicated — slurred speech and stumbling included. The violation led to a $3,000 fine and a temporary license suspension.

Training Tip

Use the “Look – Listen – Smell” method:

• Look for balance, movement, and eye contact.
• Listen for slurred speech, repetition, or aggression.
• Smell alcohol on breath (especially if BAC signs aren’t obvious yet).

Bar Takeaway

• Recognizing intoxication is both a legal requirement and a professional skill.
• Watch for speech, coordination, eyes, behavior, and reaction time.
• Early recognition = safer guests, fewer incidents, and legal protection.
• Download our 50 signs of Visible intoxication PDF.

👉 Want to protect your job and your liquor license? Get certified in responsible alcohol service through our Alcohol Server & Seller Training. Training gives you the tools to spot intoxication early and serve with confidence.