What action should a server take if they suspect a guest is trying to obtain alcohol for a minor?

When a server suspects that a guest is attempting to obtain alcohol for a minor, the most appropriate action is to refuse service and inform management. This response is grounded in legal and ethical obligations to prevent underage drinking, which is not only against the law but also poses significant health risks to minors. By refusing service, the server takes a proactive stance to uphold both company policy and local laws regarding alcohol service.

Informing management is an essential step, as they may need to address the situation further and document the incident. This action helps ensure that the establishment maintains a responsible environment and mitigates the risk of potential legal repercussions. Addressing underage drinking is crucial in hospitality settings, and servers play a vital role in enforcing these regulations.

Considering alternative options, providing service discreetly would enable potentially illegal behavior to continue unchecked. Engaging the minor in conversation does not adequately address the core issue and could even complicate matters. Informing the guest about the consequences might raise awareness, but it does not directly prevent the immediate illegality of serving alcohol for a minor. Thus, the most effective and responsible action in this scenario is to refuse service and escalate the situation to management.