A patron suddenly becomes tearful and says, 'I don't see the point in anything anymore — I just want it all to end.' The MOST appropriate response is:
Explanation
Alcohol is a depressant; intoxicated patrons may express suicidal ideation that requires immediate response. Stop service, alert a manager, and treat the statement as a possible crisis. California requires no specific protocol, but the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is the recommended national resource; call 911 for imminent self-harm. Ignoring or numbing with more alcohol is dangerous and exposes the establishment to liability.
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