The end of the night is one of the highest-risk periods for liquor liability. Last call creates urgency that can lead to rapid consumption, and intoxicated guests leaving your establishment can cause accidents on their way home. A well-designed last call protocol reduces liability risk while ensuring smooth closings.
Why Last Call Matters for Liability
- Rush consumption: Guests ordering multiple drinks to 'stock up'
- Departure timing: Mass exodus puts many drivers on the road simultaneously
- Reduced staff attention: End-of-shift fatigue affects monitoring
- Limited intervention time: Less time to assess and respond to intoxication
- Final impression: Last service interaction before guests drive
Components of an Effective Last Call Protocol
Timing Strategy
- Early announcement: 30-minute warning allows gradual transition
- Final call: Clear announcement 15 minutes before bar closes
- Service end: Firm stop time for alcohol service
- Closing buffer: Time between last drink and venue close for consumption
Order Limitations
- One drink per person at last call
- No shots or double orders
- No pitchers or shareable formats
- Food orders remain available
Assessment Protocol
Before last call service, staff should assess each guest:
- How many drinks has this guest had?
- Are there signs of intoxication?
- How is the guest getting home?
- Should this guest be cut off rather than served last call?
Managing Departures
Transportation Options
- Rideshare: Uber/Lyft codes or assistance ordering
- Taxi: Numbers available, phone available for calls
- Designated drivers: Verify designated driver is actually sober
- Walking: Ensure guest is walking safely, not driving
Intervention for Intoxicated Guests
If a guest appears intoxicated at closing:
- 1.Do not let them drive under any circumstances
- 2.Offer to arrange alternative transportation
- 3.If they refuse, consider calling police
- 4.Document your intervention attempts
- 5.Never let someone drive just to 'get them out'
Documentation
Document end-of-night incidents:
- Guests cut off at last call and reason
- Guests who refused alternative transportation
- Any transportation arranged
- Altercations or issues
- Staff on duty during closing
Training Staff on Last Call
- Role-play difficult last call scenarios
- Practice intoxication assessment
- Review transportation options and how to arrange them
- Authority to refuse service - no manager override needed
- Documentation procedures
Frequently Asked Questions
What if a guest insists on driving when they're clearly intoxicated?
Do everything reasonable to prevent it. Offer to call transportation, offer to hold their keys until morning, even offer to cover cab fare. If they insist, many attorneys recommend calling police - it's better than a DUI fatality traced back to your establishment. Document your attempts to intervene.
Can we be liable for guests who leave and crash?
Yes. Dram shop liability can attach if you over-served the guest. Your last interaction (last call service) will be scrutinized. If you served an obviously intoxicated person at last call, you share liability for what happens after they leave.