How can servers identify and handle a guest who is attempting to engage in illegal activities?

The best approach for servers in this situation is to report to management immediately and monitor the situation. This option ensures that a trained supervisor or manager can assess the situation accurately and take appropriate action. Managers typically have protocols in place for handling potential illegal activities, which may include observing the guest's behavior more closely, gathering additional information, or deciding on the next steps to ensure the safety of other guests and staff.

By reporting the situation to management, servers can avoid escalation and ensure that responses are handled according to company policies, which are designed to protect everyone involved. This response also allows for the possibility of using the establishment's resources, such as security personnel, to address the issue more effectively. Monitoring the situation also enables staff to gauge whether further action is needed while ensuring that nothing is overlooked.

Ignoring the behavior could lead to consequences for the establishment and put other guests in danger, while simply asking the guest to leave may not adequately address the seriousness of the situation or ensure that it is recorded properly for future reference. Calling law enforcement without notifying management could complicate the situation further, as management needs to be involved to inform them of ongoing operations and to handle the establishment’s legal obligations.