Final answer:
If a server doubts a patron's level of intoxication, the server should stop serving alcohol to the patron to ensure their safety and abide by responsible service laws.
Step-by-step explanation:
Responsible Alcohol Service
When a server has doubts regarding whether a patron is obviously intoxicated, the server should take certain steps to ensure safety and compliance with the law. The server should stop service to the patron, as this is the most responsible action.
Continuing to serve alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person can significantly increase the risk of alcohol-related harm, including accidents and health risks associated with alcohol intoxication.
It is important to note that the body metabolizes alcohol at a fixed rate, and slowing down service or having another server wait on them will not significantly change the patron's level of intoxication in the short term.
Upon recognizing signs of intoxication, ethically and legally, the server should intervene by refusing further alcohol service and providing non-alcoholic alternatives, if appropriate.
If necessary, the server should also arrange for safe transportation to prevent any potential incidents that can occur with intoxicated individuals operating a vehicle or making other unsafe decisions.