Alcohol Server · On-Premise Rules

What is a sound on-premise practice regarding the last call and closing time?

Correct answer

Stop alcohol service by the legal (and any stricter house-policy) cutoff and allow time for patrons to finish and leave safely

  1. A Serve well past legal hours
  2. B Stop alcohol service by the legal (and any stricter house-policy) cutoff and allow time for patrons to finish and leave safely
  3. C Lock patrons in
  4. D Ignore closing time

Why this is the answer

A sound on-premise practice is to stop alcohol service by the legal cutoff time — and any stricter house-policy cutoff — and to allow patrons reasonable time to finish their drinks and leave safely. Serving past permitted hours is a violation that endangers the license. Planning the last call so service ends on time, while managing the orderly, safe departure of patrons (including arranging rides for anyone impaired), reflects responsible closing procedures. Managers should ensure staff understand and follow the correct service-end times every night.
Source: Responsible Beverage Service — Last Call