How can a server effectively assess a customer's level of intoxication?

To effectively assess a customer's level of intoxication, observing their behavior and physical condition is crucial. This method involves paying attention to various signs such as slurred speech, difficulty with coordination, changes in mood, or overly boisterous behavior. These indicators can provide valuable insights into how alcohol is affecting the customer at that moment.

While checking a customer's ID can confirm their legal age to drink, it does not inform the server about their current state of intoxication. Asking about drink preferences primarily gathers information about the type of alcohol they enjoy, but it does not directly relate to their current intoxication level, which may vary regardless of the drinks they prefer. Monitoring the time since their last drink might provide some context, but it is not an effective standalone method for assessing intoxication because individuals metabolize alcohol differently based on numerous factors such as weight, tolerance, and the amount consumed prior.

Therefore, the most comprehensive approach in evaluating someone's level of intoxication is to closely observe how they are behaving and how they appear physically.