Preventing Drunk Driving: Best Practices for Bars and Restaurants

Every night, bars and restaurants open their doors to customers looking to relax, socialize, and enjoy themselves. Yet, amid the laughter and clinking glasses, these establishments face a significant responsibility: preventing drunk driving.

When patrons leave a bar or restaurant after drinking, the choices they make behind the wheel can have life-altering consequences for themselves and others. Are bars liable for drunk drivers? In South Carolina, liquor liability laws make it clear that bars and restaurants have a role to play in preventing intoxicated patrons from getting behind the wheel.

For many bartenders and servers, determining when a patron has had enough becomes a critical decision point. The line between providing good service and overserving can sometimes blur, especially during busy hours or with patrons who initially show no clear signs of intoxication.

Training staff to recognize these signs and to understand the serious implications of over-serving are essential steps in safeguarding not only your patrons but also your establishment itself from potential legal consequences.

How to Prevent Drunk Driving 

Preventing drunk driving starts with proactive strategies. Bars and restaurants can create a culture that emphasizes responsible alcohol service, limiting the risk of drunk driving.

Here are some practical steps establishments can adopt to promote safe driving practices and limit the risk of drunk driving:

     1. Establish Clear Serving Policies

It is essential to implement strict policies regarding alcohol service. By setting a standard, such as refusing service to visibly intoxicated patrons, businesses send a message that safety is a priority.

     2. Train Staff on Responsible Serving

Staff should be trained in responsible serving techniques, including how to pace service and recognize when a customer is approaching their limit.

     3. Promote Non-Alcoholic Options

Providing appealing non-alcoholic beverages can help patrons enjoy a night out without overindulging. This also encourages designated drivers to stay engaged without feeling left out.

     4. Encourage Alternative Transportation

Partnering with local rideshare services or providing incentives for designated drivers are effective ways to promote safe transportation for patrons who have been drinking.

     5. Display Policies Visibly

Posting signage about your establishment’s alcohol policies can reinforce to patrons that safety is a priority. Visible signs encouraging moderation and emphasizing that intoxicated patrons will not be served can help those drinking make better choices.

     6. Create a Safe Atmosphere

Make sure that your patrons feel comfortable asking for non-alcoholic options and that your serving staff feels comfortable stopping service. Promote non-alcoholic drinks and ensure that your staff supports moderation and responsible drinking habits.

Identifying Signs of Intoxication

When bartenders and servers can detect early signs of overconsumption, they can take responsible actions to prevent potential issues.

Here are some of the most common signs that someone may be intoxicated:

• Physical Symptoms: Look for physical signs such as slurred speech, difficulty walking, clumsiness, or staggered movements. Other indicators might include a patron having trouble sitting or spilling drinks.

• Behavioral Changes: Intoxication can cause noticeable changes in behavior. This can include becoming overly loud, boisterous, or disruptive. Some might show exaggerated emotions or aggression, while others might become unusually withdrawn or quiet in contrast to their earlier demeanor.

• Facial Indicators: Red, flushed cheeks or glassy, unfocused eyes can be indicators of overconsumption of alcohol. These physical signs often accompany other symptoms of intoxication.

• Cognitive Impairments: Difficulty following conversations, confusion about recent events, or repeatedly forgetting what was just said can signal that someone is too intoxicated. These impairments might also manifest as patrons struggling to handle money or misjudging distances.

Overserving: Are Bars Liable for Drunk Drivers?

For bars and restaurants, overserving is more than just an operational misstep—it carries real risks that can impact the business, its patrons, and the community.

In South Carolina, “dram shop” laws hold bars and restaurants accountable if they over-serve patrons who then harm others. This means that if a patron who was served alcohol irresponsibly at an establishment later causes a car accident, the injured parties can sue the business.

Legal cases involving overserving can be complex and costly, often resulting in substantial financial penalties, increased insurance premiums, and, in severe cases, the suspension or loss of a liquor license.

The consequences of over-serving go beyond financial and legal liability; it also puts the safety of patrons, and the public, at risk.

When an intoxicated patron is allowed to continue drinking, the chances of accidents, injuries, or aggressive behavior increase, often requiring intervention from staff or security.

These situations can escalate quickly, creating uncomfortable—and sometimes dangerous—environments for other patrons and staff alike. For these reasons, the responsibility to avoid over-serving goes hand in hand with a commitment to providing a safe, enjoyable atmosphere.

Contact a Greenville Liquor Liability Lawyer Today

When establishments do not prioritize adopting strong serving policies and actively training their staff to recognize and handle signs of intoxication, they should be held responsible for the consequences.

If you or a loved one was injured by a drunk driver, our liquor liability lawyers at David R. Price, Jr., P.A., can help you hold responsible parties accountable. Contact our Greenville liquor liability lawyers at [phone] to discuss your next steps.