Things That Look Harmless but Can Get a Server in Trouble

Aug 26 / Costa Vic

Some bad bar decisions don’t look bad at all.

Sometimes they look like:

“Just one more.”

And that’s where the fun starts. 😅

🆔“They Look Old Enough”

Ah yes, the highly scientific age-verification method:

vibes.

A beard, tattoos, and tired eyes do not count as ID.

When in doubt, check it.

🍺 “It’s Just One More”

One more beer.

One tiny shot.

One harmless cocktail.

Except the person ordering it is already talking to the coat rack.

Sometimes “one more” is one too many.

👯 “Their Friend Bought It”

You cut someone off.

Five minutes later, their friend orders two drinks.

Interesting. 👀

If one of those drinks mysteriously travels across the table, you may still have a problem.

🍔 “They Ate Something”

Food helps.

But fries are not a sobriety cheat code.

Someone can destroy a burger and still be intoxicated.

Watch the guest—not the mozzarella sticks.

🤝 “But They’re a Regular”

They come every Friday.

You know their name.

You know their drink.

You may even know their breakup story.

Still...

Regular customers can still be overserved.

Friendship does not cancel responsibility.

📱 “Here’s a Photo of My ID”

"I forgot my wallet, but look—here’s a picture!"

Creative.

But your job isn’t to judge how convincing someone’s camera roll is.

Follow your establishment’s ID policy and proper alcohol-service rules.

😵 “They Don’t Look THAT Drunk”

This sentence usually comes right before trouble.

Intoxication doesn’t always mean falling off a stool.

Sometimes it’s louder talking, slower reactions, repeating stories...

or suddenly becoming best friends with everyone in the building.

👀 Small Decisions Matter

Most alcohol-service problems don’t begin dramatically.

They begin with:

“It’s probably fine.”

That’s why BASSET training matters.

Because behind the bar, knowing when NOT to serve can be just as important as knowing how to serve.

And if a customer ever says:

“What’s the worst that could happen?”

Maybe don’t find out. 😅