Which of the following statements about refusing alcohol service is TRUE?
Explanation
Early refusal — at the relaxed/disinhibited stage — prevents the late-stage problems (vomiting, blackouts, assaults, DUI crashes) and is far easier to communicate because the patron is still capable of understanding. Waiting until unconsciousness (d) is dangerous. §25602 attaches at 'obviously intoxicated,' well before unconsciousness, and any server (a) may and must refuse. No police approval is required (c).
Law Reference: Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §25602; RBS CurriculumThis topic, taught in full in the California RBS (Responsible Beverage Service) guide. California RBS — Responsible Beverage Service Study Guide (2026) — PDF + EPUB, $9.99 · 14-day refund →
Practice all 100 questions free — no signup required.
Own the complete California RBS (Responsible Beverage Service) guide — PDF + EPUB, $9.99 →
Related questions on this topic
- Another patron offers to 'buy a drink' for someone who has just been cut off for intoxication. May the server lawfully serve the buy-back drink?
- A clearly intoxicated patron asks the server to call them 'just one Uber' and refuses to wait inside. The server should:
- A regular customer who tips well says, 'Come on, you know me — just one more.' The server should:
- An intoxicated patron threatens the server with physical violence after being refused. The server's priority order should be:
- Which of the following is a 'best practice' alternative to alcohol that a server can offer a cut-off patron?
- A patron who has been refused service complains loudly and demands to speak to the manager. The server should:
Last reviewed: · editorial process