When is it acceptable for a server to serve alcohol to a guest?

The correct response indicates that it is acceptable for a server to serve alcohol to a guest when the guest appears sober and of legal age. This is a fundamental principle of responsible alcohol service. It is essential for servers to verify that guests are not visibly intoxicated, as serving alcohol to an already impaired individual can lead to serious safety and legal issues. Additionally, ensuring that a guest is of legal drinking age is a legal requirement and protects the establishment from potential violations of liquor laws.

Understanding the importance of checking both sobriety and age helps servers maintain a safe environment and comply with state and federal regulations regarding alcohol service. Server training programs typically emphasize these criteria to ensure that all personnel are equipped to make responsible decisions about alcohol service. In contrast, the other options do not inherently ensure compliance with legal and safety standards for alcohol service.