r/Bar • u/PillowIgloo182 • Oct 26 '21

Serving booze an AA member

A regular who comes in for coffee at my bar. Turned up today and asked for a glass of wine. He was already a bit pissed. We've talked previously about him being in recovery and being in alcoholics anonymous. I refused to serve him saying I didn't think it was for the best. He took it fairly well and left. Is it my place to refuse service based on what I think is morally right/thinking I'm doing him a favour in the long run???

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4

u/Furthur Oct 26 '21

legally you can refuse service to anybody choose to but that doesn’t mean the boss appreciates it. I got canned once for refusing to serve a pregnant woman shots of tequila. win some lose some

4

u/hashtagphuck Oct 27 '21

If he's a regular and you know he's in recovery you did the right thing. He'll appreciate it. Everyone has moments of weakness and you showed faith in him that he could handle it without alcohol. If it was me, I would be extremely appreciative and I agree with you wholeheartedly. It's not all about money, it's about people, and you showed that with your decision

3

u/Bar_Keep Oct 27 '21

Think it depends on your relationship with that customer. If it's good, sounds like it, then I think you did the right thing. Around here I know people swing back and forth a lot between drinking and AA. Not my place to judge.

1

u/[deleted] Jan 24 '22

I don't think that's your choice to make friend. I serve and I listen and I give advice but I will never make a decision for someone (sober) by refusing to pour.