Security guards respond with care when an intoxicated patron leaves a licensed Ontario establishment

Title: The right move when a patron looks intoxicated: a practical guide for Ontario security officers

Picture this: you’re at the door of an establishment licensed to serve alcohol in Ontario. The night is winding down, crowds thin, and a patron exits. They stumble a bit, glassy eyes, unsteady steps. You sense they’ve had more than their share. What do you do? If you’re responsible, trained, and professional, the answer isn’t simply “call the police” or “let them wander off.” It’s something more deliberate, more protective: ask if they have a safe ride home.

Let’s unpack why this approach matters, how it fits with your duties, and what practical steps you can take to make a real difference in a moment that could go either way.

Why asking about a safe ride home is the smart move

• It centers safety, not punishment. You’re not policing a crime; you’re helping someone avoid a risky situation—like getting behind the wheel while impaired.

• It buys time and defuses tension. A calm, direct question communicates care and control, which can lower agitation and reduce the chance of a confrontation.

• It aligns with your role. Security personnel in Ontario work to maintain order, protect patrons, and support responsible behavior while staying within legal boundaries. Encouraging a safe alternative transportation option is a concrete, proactive step in that mission.

• It supports the business and the community. Reducing impaired driving and preventable accidents protects the public and helps the establishment comply with liquor laws and safety expectations.

A quick reality check: what the law says (and doesn’t say)

Ontario’s Liquor Licence Act sets the stage for how licensed premises manage safety, disturbances, and patron conduct. Here’s the practical takeaway for a guard at closing time:

• Your focus is safety and order, not punishment. Unless a patron is causing immediate danger or a disturbance, use de-escalation and supportive options rather than punitive actions.

• Police involvement isn’t your default. Calling the police is appropriate if there’s danger, violence, or a serious threat. If someone is simply intoxicated but not presenting danger, your best tool is to engage and guide—within your authority.

• Detainment or arrest isn’t typically within a security guard’s remit for public intoxication alone. It’s more appropriate to contact authorities when there’s a clear safety risk or legal issue beyond your scope.

In other words: escalation is a last resort. Start with a conversation, assess risk, and offer constructive alternatives.

Practical steps you can take in the moment

Here’s a straightforward, real-world approach you can adapt to most nightly shifts. It’s about calm, clear communication and practical options.

• Approach confidently and respectfully. Stand at a comfortable distance, keep your hands visible, and identify yourself. A simple, calm opening helps: “Hi, I’m [Name], security. I noticed you’ve been drinking. I’m here to help you get home safely.”

• Read the room. Are they cooperative or disoriented? Is there a risk of wandering into traffic or a crowd? Trust your training and supervisor guidance. If something feels off, adjust your approach rather than doubling down.

• Use open-ended questions. Instead of “where are you going?” try “Do you have a safe ride home, or would you like help arranging one?” The goal is to give them a choice and a sense of control.

• Offer concrete options. Point to a taxi stand, rideshare app, transit, or a friend who can collect them. If your venue has partnerships with a taxi service or a designated driver program, mention it by name. If the person wants to call someone, offer to stay with them while they do.

• Remove ambiguity, not dignity. Don’t shame or lecture. Keep the tone steady and nonjudgmental: “I want you to be safe. Let’s get you home in a way that won’t put you at risk.”

• Set boundaries and boundaries with care. If they decline help, acknowledge their choice and document the interaction. You can say, “I understand you want to leave. I’ll note that you declined additional help and wish you a safe journey.” Then, monitor the scene and step back if no risk is present.

• Avoid power struggles. If someone resists, shift to a softer approach or disengage for a moment and re-engage after a brief pause. A gentle restatement of options can re-open dialogue without spinning into conflict.

• Coordinate with your team. If you have colleagues nearby, signal for support rather than handling a tense moment alone. A quick check-in ensures you aren’t carrying risk on your own.

A practical script you can adapt

• You: “Hi, I’m [Name], security. I’ve noticed you might have had a few drinks. I want to help you get home safely.”

• Patron: “I’m fine. I’ll just walk.”

• You: “I want you to be safe. Do you have a safe ride home, or would you like me to help you arrange one—taxi, rideshare, or a friend catching up later?”

• Patron: “I’ll text my sister.”

• You: “Great. If you’d like, I can stay with you while you arrange it. If you change your mind, I’m right here.”

When to involve police or escalate

• Immediate danger. If the person is weaving into traffic, attempting to drive away, or threatening harm, call for help. Your priority is to prevent harm.

• Disturbance that you can’t safely de-escalate. If the situation escalates beyond your control or starts affecting others’ safety, call for backup.

• Medical concerns. If you suspect alcohol poisoning or other medical issues, contact EMS. Do not assume you can diagnose a medical problem; your role is to recognize danger signals and get professional help.

Aftercare and documentation

• Log the encounter. Clear notes about what you said, what the patron agreed to, and what happened next help your team understand the incident and improve responses.

• Communicate with your supervisor. Share what worked and what could be improved. If there’s a follow-up needed—like a welfare check the next day—make a plan.

• Support the patron’s well-being. If the person accepts help, follow through. If they don’t, ensure they’re safe as they depart and monitor for ongoing risk until they’re gone from the premises.

Why this approach isn’t just “policy” talk—it’s real life

We all want safer nights, not just safer policies. When you engage someone who’s intoxicated with respect and practical options, you’re reducing the chance they’ll get behind the wheel or encounter other hazards. You’re also modeling responsible behavior for patrons who may be watching. A small moment of care can ripple out—encouraging others to think twice and, ideally, choose a safer ride.

Digressions that matter, and how they connect

Here’s a tiny mental tangent you might relate to: many people underestimate the value of a ride home. A rideshare queue at the corner can feel like a small thing, but it’s a critical service. It’s not about letting someone off the hook; it’s about preventing a potential catastrophe. Think of it as a form of street-level public health—keeping people safe on the road and reducing the strain on emergency services.

Another little digression that fits: you don’t need to become a social worker to do this right. You’re a security professional with tools—clear communication, situational awareness, and a few practical options at hand. Those are powerful skills. They show up in every shift, whether you’re guarding a busy downtown venue or a quiet neighborhood bar with a liquor license.

Common missteps to avoid (so you don’t end up in a tougher spot)

• Arresting for public intoxication without clear grounds. This isn’t typically within a security guard’s authority and can inflame the situation. Save it for legal authorities if needed.

• Ignoring the risk. If you sense danger, don’t chalk it up to “just being a little drunk.” Acknowledge risk and take action.

• Leaving a patron to fend for themselves when they clearly need help. Even a small gesture—checking in, offering a ride option—can be a big deal.

• Over-relying on a single tactic. People respond to different approaches. Give options, not a one-note speech.

A closing thought for guardians on the ground

Your job isn’t just about enforcing rules—it’s about care, judgment, and good timing. Asking someone who appears intoxicated if they have a safe ride home is a simple, human act with real consequences. It’s a reminder that safety is a shared responsibility: for the individual, for the establishment, and for the broader community.

If you carry this mindset into your nightly rounds, you’ll likely find that few situations require a dramatic intervention. More often, a calm conversation and a practical option do the job. And when you do have to call for help, you do it with confidence, knowing you’ve done your part to keep people safe.

So, next time you spot that stagger at the doorway, ask the question that matters: do you have a safe ride home? If they do, great. If not, guide them toward one with patience and clear options. It’s a small act, but it speaks volumes about the kind of security professional you are—steady, thoughtful, and genuinely concerned for the people you protect.