Final answer:
A server cannot be held liable for accidents caused by an intoxicated patron they served. Only the licensee can be held liable.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of alcohol service, servers are generally shielded from liability for accidents caused by obviously intoxicated patrons. The legal responsibility primarily rests with the licensee, such as the establishment holding the alcohol license. Servers are tasked with providing service rather than controlling the actions of patrons. Their obligation is to adhere to legal requirements for serving alcohol, and if they fulfill these obligations, they are not held legally responsible for accidents resulting from the patron's actions.
This division of responsibility recognizes that servers may not have the means to monitor patrons' subsequent behavior after alcohol consumption. The focus is on licensees, who have a broader duty to ensure responsible alcohol service within their establishments. This legal framework encourages establishments to adhere to strict alcohol service guidelines while acknowledging the limited role of individual servers in preventing accidents caused by patrons they served.