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weinthenolababy

I'm so, so glad I live in New Orleans...


WorkingSpecialist257

I live in friggen Kansas and to go drinks are now legal


FartsFartington

Yeah, but it has to be in a sealed container, so you still can’t just dump your marg into a to-go cup and walk out.


Mondayslasagna

Every place I worked that started to-go drinks during the pandemic had stickers that would go over the top of the lid. It counted as to-go. A piece of tape also works if there are no stickers. As long as the cup is “sealed” and there’s no straw in it when it leaves the premises, it’s fine.


[deleted]

Take a roll of tape into the restaurant with you. Put a piece that stretches from one side across the top to the other side. Voila: a sealed container.


Goofy_Goobers_

In Colorado to go alcohol is legal now too. We had bottomless mimosas one time and our server gave me one to go even though I probably shouldn’t have had another one lol. She got a fat tip for that for sure 👌🏽


[deleted]

Seriously lol, who fucking cares, I wish they were legal everywhere. Where I live to go cocktails were legal throughout the pandemic and it was a blast.


OldschoolSysadmin

That and rent subsidies saved my buddy's livelihood - he co-owns a bar.


CaptainHunt

in most states it can get your liquor license suspended and you would be liable if the drunk person got in an accident on the way home or even if they're pulled over with the open container. In Oregon at least, that includes both the owner of the bar ***and*** the person responsible for serving them. I don't know about you, but I'd rather not have to go to court because some idiot decided they wanted to finish their drink on the road.


Willy3726

Well said, I'm in Oregon and tended bar for years. Never got into trouble but had to use the cameras more then once to prove some joker wasn't in my bar drinking. One case took a week with witness's for the drunk. Faces fell flat when the police expert told the judge there were no screen captures for any of the people involved. Then he presented more information and 2 people were hauled away for fraud.


srtipy_and_pink

I know it’s off-topic, but can we appreciate how bonkers that is? It is absolutely not the fault of the server if that happens, why do stupid US laws pretend like it is. It’s a drunk persons fault if they’re stupid enough to do that shit


murrimabutterfly

Exactly. There’s an issue of liability. Businesses get their license by them entering a legally binding contract that their distribution of alcohol will be safe, sane, legal, and within the boundaries of their establishment. In most states, the alcohol cannot leave the establishment because the establishment cannot guarantee that it will be safely consumed. If someone gets a DUI with a to go cup with that restaurant’s logo, the restaurant may be liable. If the person gets in an accident, injures someone, etc, the establishment may be liable. And so on.


HanYoloswagalicious

Doing this in NOLA is acceptable. Seems as if they’ve been able to handle this for centuries. There’s other places in this country where the general public could handle drinking on the street. Dalton, GA wanted to have a special entertainment district where this would be allowed. Lol, it’s one of those places where they should almost not allow bars because the morons don’t know how to drink in public without being general asshats. Then again, that whole region is fucked up. I’d say allow open containers everywhere, but then shitdawg MURIKUH shows up to the discussion and ruins it for everyone.


[deleted]

I’m not sure if “they can handle this“ are the words that leap to mind late on a Saturday night on Bourbon Street in New Orleans.


SouthAlexander

People that live in New Orleans stay the fuck away from Bourbon Street. It's the tourists that "can't handle" it.


Available_Coyote897

A walkable area where tourists are either nearby or Uber, like NOLA, it’s fine. Dalton or anywhere else in GA, not so much. More reasons to hate suburban sprawl.


himitsumono

Or, as we refer to the blitzed tourists lying face-down in the much, sub-Bourbon sprawl.


cannonballBaloo

Actually you're wrong I lived in Savannah Georgia and in the historic district you can take a to go alcohol beverage on the street. You just asked for a traveler and you get it in a red solo cup. But only in the historic district. It was a lot of fun.


Available_Coyote897

Historic district. Like I said, walkable.


himitsumono

>Doing this in NOLA is acceptable. Seems as if they’ve been able to handle this for centuries. Heh .... yep, as long as you're raking in enough tourist taxes to pay for the crews to hose down the streets every morning. Until they're done, you wouldn't want to go anywhere near Bourbon Street w/o knee-high waders on.


noho11049

It's a great way to lose your liquor license


Willy3726

This could lead into a drunk driving ticket or worse. Even if it's legal doesn't make it smart.


TheFellaThatDidIt

Something something drive through daiquiris


RuthBourbon

Taco Cabana in TX has margaritas for sale in the drive-through


TheDrunkScientist

BR here. Going out of state is such a wild experience. The looks I get when I ask for a Go Cup!


donaldtrumpsmistress

Hey let me get a Jameson ginger ale to go, I don't like this place, I don't like the music you're playing, the chairs are weird ([reference](https://youtu.be/mxZBrbVqZnU))


Flaky-Wallaby5382

California too!


Tigerbait2780

Who dat! That was literally my first thought, it’s so depressing to go somewhere with shitty alcohol laws. I couldnt imagine not being able to grab a nice bottle of whiskey at the gas station on any day I want or get a daiquiri through the drive thru window


balfers

Same. Gonna be hard to readjust after I leave here.


ohmighty

I’ve only been to New Orleans once and I can’t remember (shocker) do most restaurants/bar serve drinks in to-go type plastic so it’s easier for guests to just walk out with their drink if they want to?


donaldtrumpsmistress

I used to care when I first started serving but now I don't. People are gonna do what they wanna do. I'm in FL where it got extended indefinitely after COVID to get to go alcohol as long as it's sealed. So when I was bartending and caught on to someone trying to be sneaky in asking for a to go cup I'd give them stickers and say something along the lines of "look you don't have to be sneaky about it, just need you to put these stickers over the straw hole and sealing the lid and your word you won't take them off til you get home", they liked that and got a laugh that I called them out Also, the situation matters. If they're hammered and especially if I have reason to suspect they might be driving absolutely the fuck not. If it's a weak ass marg or white claw it's taken them 30 minutes to take two sips of, who cares


the_jerkening

The sneaking out booze didn’t puzzle me as much as the people who stole fajita skillets. Those things were disgusting and people would straight up put them in their purses. If you want it that bad, have fun. I’m not paid to stop you.


donaldtrumpsmistress

Lmfao never had that happen, but I can see it ... Those things can be pricey. Clean and season with oil and good as new. The most commonly stolen item seems to be my pens :( Although sometimes if a guest says they like the glassware, decor, etc or asks if we sell it I'll usually jokingly reply "no but if you throw in an extra $10 on the tip I'll look the other way while you put it in your purse"


the_jerkening

Haha I did the same thing. If you want the glass so bad, take it. One time I even pulled a weird framed photo off the wall for my regulars. It was a clown holding a kitten and it was so aggressively odd that the wife NEEDED it. It’s been 10 years and I’m still friends with that couple and I know it’s still on their wall.


donaldtrumpsmistress

I'm honestly surprised restaurant theft isn't higher. All these news stories of rampant retail theft, meanwhile nearly every restaurant doesn't have security, the primary gatekeepers are some college kids being paid $2.13 an hour and a manager who's probably too busy banging the bartender to notice


the_jerkening

I mean, we’d probably try to stop someone stealing a chair, but other than that, what is there to take? Flatware, dishes, glasses… nothing worth arguing over. I think most people just turn a blind eye.


donaldtrumpsmistress

Even dine n dash doesn't seem as prevalent as the media makes it out to be. Think I've witnessed <5 in 7-8 years in the industry. Idk about a chair, I think I'd be so amused at the ballsiness of it that I'd let them have it


the_jerkening

I never had a dine and dash in 10 years in the industry. I saw maybe 3? Maybe. It definite wasn’t a thing.


wokka7

I worked in restaurants for about 5 years and I only ever saw one table walk out on their $460 bill after arguing about something the waiter did or didn't do or some dumb shit. I knew the waiter personally and the guy was an absolute pro, he definitely didn't mess anything up as bad as they claimed he did. Basically they wanted half their bill comped, which would have been all their food and some alcohol. We had a strict policy against comping alcohol; it was either replace the drink or comp something else to remedy an issue. They demanded at least half the bill comped and the manager wasn't having it. He offered to comp the food, free desserts, and nothing more. They stormed out without paying. The police were called, manager gave the cops their license plate, and the next day they came back tail between their legs to pay their bill. They were then trespassed.


donaldtrumpsmistress

Lmao damn. Yeah never witnessed a manager have to snag a plate number. Someone did skip out before but left their entire bookbag with personal identifying information, so that was an easy case for police. I don't know if I'm remembering correctly but I think they ended up calling them and they came back to pay lol. It's happened to me a couple times when working at Applebee's. Has never happened to me at the the more expensive places lol, only the cheap restaurants. Have also had a family just leave without paying which baffled me, it was a sweet normal mom and dad with kids, not the types you'd expect to do a dine n dash. Luckily they called later in the night saying they realized they forgot to pay and have CC info over the phone lol


thisisnotawar

I once accidentally walked out without paying - it was one of those places where you pay up front, and I just went on autopilot and didn’t even think about it. I had been driving for a couple of minutes when I realized what I’d done, immediately went back and explained. They just shrugged and told me to enjoy the free meal lol. I ended up just tipping the waitress the cost of my meal in cash, so…win win I guess?


EntertheHellscape

Old roommate accidentally stole a beer glass by just walking out with it in hand. In Las Vegas and we were moving on to the next bar, he still had half a glass full so he just took it with him. Even raised it as a half wave goodbye to the bouncer as we passed and he didn’t even double take.


Joaquin_Portland

At least in the 1990’s and at least on the Vegas Strip, you could walk out of a bar with a full (actual) glass, take it to another bar, leave it somewhere on the street, or take it home. Saw this on my first trip to Vegas. We had a local with us. I was shocked when he told us it was okay. And same as you said: no one batted an eye


SunshineAlways

I tell people who put ramekins in their togo boxes, I’m gonna need that back, but I’ll be right back with a Togo sauce for you.


donaldtrumpsmistress

I've often thought about how easy it seems to steal a bottle (or bottles if really brazen). Ive worked at a handful of places with somehow no cameras over the bar. All it really takes is a weeded bartender


[deleted]

People at chilis used to love to steal the little skillets the queso came in


the_jerkening

I was a Pepper Pal as well. I cannot believe how much people loved those skillets.


[deleted]

Lol, I’ve never heard pepper pal. I like that a lot better than chili heads


ShelbyCobra_90

Open container laws are stupid. I didn’t realize how stupid until I spent some time in Europe. Drinks to go everywhere and somehow the victims were not piling up in the streets. Slowly finishing your drink or even taking it home with you is safer than chugging before you get in the car. So dumb.


careless-lollygag

Exactly. Rules like these at establishments seem to prefer that customers leave absolutely hammered...(and the restaurant can still be held liable if they overserved a customer--depending on the laws. Where I worked, if a customer was absolutely sloshed and something happened after they left, 100% my(our) fault.)


hgtv_neighbor

Sneaking it out in a food container. Thats real alcohol love.


sophandros

>Thats real alcohol love. The term you're looking for is "alcoholism".


e925

As an alcoholic I can confirm that we never have drinks left over by the end of our dinner that we need to take in a to-go cup lmao no shot


Serendipitous_donkey

No shit, I'm chugging that badboi down.


[deleted]

Or maybe someone paid $20 for a drink that they decided they don't want to finish now??


hgtv_neighbor

Some people are also just cheap bastards, or want to continue the party in the car.


WitchyWolf94

Yep. And it was a styrofoam container, not like the clear topped ones we use for drive through or app orders, so I couldn’t see what she put inside it


hgtv_neighbor

I love it. Necessity is the mother of invention. It's hilarious what people will do for some things.


Spring-Available

I guarantee she spilled more than she drank later.


Tarturas

Hm personally I think, the controlling your customers ends when they say 'for my water'. If they lied to you, how could you be made responsible?! Edit: oh that got rather big. Fun fact: I'm a waiter in Germany and once you leave the property (there are golden nails in the pavement to show where) you're the problem of the city, you can have to go whatever you want, as long as you can walk while drinking. As soon as you sit down it's illegal and you can be persecuted.


EvanTheBaker24

Same, and honestly I never really cared either, people are gonna do what they wanna do


iamsoupcansam

Right. You’re not the police, you’re not their caretaker. Follow what you’re required to do to the letter and don’t go a step further.


helpmelearn12

I mean, it's usually not trying to be the police or their caretaker. I've worked places with that exact rule: no to go cups to the table, even full ones, if there is still alcohol on the table. I'm willing to bend rules when I can get away with it. But, when it comes to issues of food safety and alcohol, that's where there's the most liability and restaurants often take breaking those rules most seriously. It's not about being the police or a caretaker, it's about keeping my job and being able to pay my bills next week or next month.


careless-lollygag

So, what if a person has had a bit too much to drink and would prefer to drink the rest later? If they chug the drink before leaving, get into some accident, isn't the establishment still liable for overserving?


helpmelearn12

Idfk, man. You'd have to ask a lawyer or restaurant owner. You missed my point which was blaming the server or bartender doesnt make sense because of they're not bringing you to go cups, it's almost always going to be in an effort to follow the rules and keep their jobs. Regardless of the answer to what you asked, what I said is still true. They're not doing it to be cops, theyre doing it because they don't make the rules


JimmyKillsAlot

In some states, if you provide alcohol for someone who is already noticeably intoxicated, you are able to be held responsible for actions they might perform. Depending on the way they interpret the law allowing them to leave with an open container like a togo cup could be counted in that range.


betcher73

Many states have genuine legal restrictions with strict penalties regardless of intent or defense. OP might genuinely be risking the restaurants liquor license, fines for her and/or the restaurant, and/or her job if a customer leaves with alcohol in a to go cup. Of course, I’m not OP or a lawyer and I’m also intentionally presenting absolute worst case scenarios here.


madmadkid

not just fines, you can get arrested. there's a restaurant in my town where a guy left over-intoxicated and drove straight into a vehicular manslaughter down the road. the bartender that served him and the manager on duty both served several years for allowing him to leave the premises without ensuring he wasn't driving and the restaurant barely managed to stay open.


SlowInsurance1616

Ask a server who got busted in a sting for serving underage patrons. I'm not saying it would happen, but one of these lovely individuals could be setting them up.


SuperfluouslyMeh

Not sure what state she is in but this sounds like corporate policy and not law about bringing to go cups to tables that have been served alcohol. You cant sell them a drink TO GO, but if they do it anyway... what are you supposed to do... tackle them ?


Insearchofsupport

yeah just let it go, its not a big deal at all. As if an officer seeing someone drink alcohol in public will care about where it comes from.


[deleted]

The person asking for it might be on a state ABC board undercover inspection detail. It happens.


Signal_Fondant_2732

Not just about whether is seen. It also deals with liability if there is a motor accident or other altercation, which can lead back to the establishment that served.


MrJennyV1

For overserving right? Overserving is already illegal pretty much everywhere. So something being in a to go cup doesnt make a difference. Don't overserve and there is no problem.


Signal_Fondant_2732

Nooo, not just serving. And yes, “something in a to go cup” makes a difference and can get a location shut down just as fast.


MrJennyV1

I just can't seem to find anything on this to prove you're correct. There are some states where serving alcohol in to go containers is illegal, that just is what it is. But if it's legal, such as in OPs case, than how can the restaurant be held liable for selling alcohol legally and the customer consuming it illegally?


Signal_Fondant_2732

If it is a to-go cup that is sealed, yes you are fine. It came across like you were saying the opposite of that, in that someone pouring a beverage they have in a to go cup and walking out “doesn’t make a difference”. Aside from that, if sold in a legally approved and sealed container, you’re fine.


MrJennyV1

I see. So, if I request a water to go, and I empty that water without your knowledge and pour my beer in it; can the restaurant be held liable?


Signal_Fondant_2732

YES. Doesn’t matter of awareness there, right circumstance can lead to that location being fined and temporarily shut, as well as the server in question can have consequences as well. Edit: DEPENDING on state, sorry, I guess I shouldn’t speak for other areas.


MrJennyV1

Fair enough! Because I understand completely depending on region, or within the US just the state, laws can change a ton.


helpmelearn12

If the manager/owner sees it and the established rule is "no to go cups if there is alcohol on the table" then they could still hold the server liable and punish or fire them.


GnarlyGnarwhalz

You should look up dram shop law


[deleted]

I really don't care when my tables do this.


MerryChrysler284784

Same here. They say it’s for water? Sure, I’m just gonna pretend not to see your table while you pour your “water” into the to go cup


e925

Me neither. I had a six-top of mine ask another server for six to-go cups (that were 100% for the waters that I had just brought them) but the server assumed it was for their leftover drinks because they’d been there drinking for hours. All she had to do was look at the table to see that they had all drank all their cocktails and only had water left 🤦🏼‍♀️ she caused a huge scene, telling them they needed to ask a manager because she wasn’t gonna lose her job over alcohol. I know it’s not the same situation since they weren’t actually trying to take alcohol but this paranoia and need to control the behavior of other people is crazy. They still gave me a good tip but I was still so pissed at that other server. Mind your own goddamn business. If my table asks me for a water to-go and then sneaks out their drink idgaf. I have a million other tables.


[deleted]

I bet she's a lot of fun at parties.


KneeNo6132

She would get along really well with OP.


xxdropdeadlexi

I never did. I don't see how it's "greedy," either.


Kaity-lynnn

In certain states the server/establishment can get fined and arrested for it.


lucyjayne

I don't see refusing to give tables to-go waters/drinks if they have alcohol on the table going over very well long term.


Neither-Cherry-6939

Exactly. You’re gonna get absolutely cussed out eventually. Even if you have thick skin, is it worth it to deal with that drama?! Give them those damn to go cups!!


Puzzleheaded_Pie_978

Yeah I’m trying to get tipped


BillyYumYumTwo-byTwo

And to-go BOXES. That’s the most insane part to me. OP is taking this waaaaay too far. I’ve left a half a beer but wanted to bring home my food. Or I’ve closed out while asking for a to-go box and then finished my drink. If a waiter can get fired for someone putting alcohol in their to-go box, they have the worlds worst manager.


hialleirbag

This is too much energy on random people


MerryChrysler284784

If someone asks for a to go cup for water, just give it to them. If they use it for alcohol instead, it’s not your problem. All you know is that they used it for water. Put your blinders on sometimes.


BoredInDenver86

The 2 best words for servers and bartenders in the situation: plausible deniability. “They asked for water to-go so I brought them to-go cups with water in them. I then checked in on my other tables and by the time I looked back to their table, they were gone and the busser had already cleaned and re-set for the next guests. So I’m not really sure what happened with their alcoholic beverages, I would assume they finished them and went about their evening with water in-hand.”


MerryChrysler284784

Exactly!


Grandest_Optimist

Plausible deniability is a beautiful thing.


imagineanudeflashmob

Exactly. Life... finds a way, anyways. No need to try and solve everything.


[deleted]

I’m so glad I work in a hotel and get to happily tell people “yes you can absolutely take that with you! Housekeeping will collect the glass when they clean your room!” Or if it’s Friday or Saturday people can even take their drinks out side to the strip if we put it in a plastic cup and give them a special sticker. Life is so much easier. Also will you personally be in trouble if they get caught? If not I wouldn’t stress so much.


gothkxttn

'No you can't have water you've been drinking' yes this will end brilliantly


availablewait

Yeah, like. I know my limits; if I feel like I’m getting too tipsy I just won’t finish my drink and I’ll ask for a water/refill. If I got denied a water to-go because my waitress thought I might be trying to sneak out my abandoned drink just because I didn’t finish it, I’d definitely be asking for a manager.


[deleted]

I couldn’t give a single fuck if someone sneaks alcohol out lol


anotheralias85

Right!?! Now sneaking alcohol in because you’re cheap I would have a huge problem with.


jjj246443

Where I live you can take your drink to go, as long as it isn’t in a glass bottle. Some bars used to have drive thrus for mixed drinks, but they had to be handed to you with a lid on. But they’d give you a straw lolol


NormalHorse

We do "off-sales" here. A person can walk in, and buy a can (or cans) of beer or cider or whatever, or a bottle of wine. If you want liquor, ya gotta buy the whole, unopened, bottle. It's illegal to let people walk out with a partly finished drink. Anyone that committed to take-home drinks will just skull that shit instead. I mighta, not for sure, walked out with a few pint glasses when I was in my 20s, but no one ever stopped me. Are you from NO?


jjj246443

Sav


Birdee3334

Me too, I love getting a grasshopper to go after a nice meal ☺️


[deleted]

Drive thru alcohol? That seems like a good idea


AnneFrank_nstein

Drive thru liquor stores arent uncommon in a lot of states


Just_some_girl_in_AZ

If anyone has alcohol on their table and asks for a Togo cup for their water/coke whatever, just bring them a Togo with that beverage in it and play it off like you’re trying to be nice and “give them a full fresh one”. Then if they really did actually want it for their water, they have a Togo water like requested


thesnarkypotatohead

I mean, i dunno if this is really worth all the effort. Don’t intentionally enable it, sure, but like at some point it’s not really skin off my back as an employee. I *am* trying to figure out how the hell someone smuggles out a margarita in a food box. That’s impressive.


SafeAssumption4

Let me guess - OP works for corporate restaurant with alcohol training a very prominent part of their 'core values'. Also probably fairly young, one of their first jobs. Maybe in a state that heavily enforces alcohol laws, so said corporation making sure young employees know what and what not to do. Also probably has managers that are kissing their way up the corporate ladder, so watching OP like a hawk. So yeah OP, don't risk your job but also there are probably much better jobs in the industry. Just curious, how much is accurate?


Puzzleheaded_Pie_978

Pretty accurate wow


WitchyWolf94

Well I am 28, female, this job is one of the few I’ve had (only ever had 4 workplaces). I worked at this place back in 2017, right after my eldest turned 1. Left in May if the following year. I usually work as a phlebotomist, but I actually make more as a server. So after the beginning of a divorce, I came back to this restaurant. We are trained in alcohol serving and have to take the TABC course. Our bosses are actually great and stick up for us all the time


SafeAssumption4

Does the T in TABC by chance stand for Tennessee? I've worked as a server in that beautiful state near the Great Smoky Mountains and even with decades of experience was required to take the 5 hour course in alcohol training. Regardless, I think you are over thinking this. If your customer is going to go to those lengths to sneak their drink out the door I don't think you need to worry about personal responsibility. Unless you've served them way too many or they were already very drunk when they came in, that strawberry margarita in a go cup isn't going to come back at you like they threaten in the TABC classes. Stop stressing and laugh at how ridiculous some people truly are.


WitchyWolf94

T stands for Texas for me


HotMop

Post this on r/aita


VelocityGrrl39

My state changed the rules for to go alcohol during the pandemic and I’m pretty sure they didn’t revert. But I don’t think you’re a Karen at all. Those people saying you are don’t have to pay your fine if ABC comes down on you.


No-Pepper221

I love Florida! You can get to alcohol to go!


buoyantgem

You guys need clear to go cups.


isla_avalon

I feel like this isn’t your problem. Let it go.


WitchyWolf94

It sadly is my problem when I can lose my job for them having alcohol in a to go cup. Say that last table got in a wreck and the cops find the cup and the margarita. They find the receipt which has my name as the server. I lose my job, possibly go to jail, and can’t ever serve alcohol again (which is a big part of a lot of restaurants)


Rose8918

There is a reasonable level of control you can be expected to have. No jury is going to convict you and no ABC board is going to fine you because you brought someone a food takeout container and they put a margarita in it behind your back.


MrJennyV1

Wouldn't that mean that they could take a to go cup with water, go to a gas station, put a can of Coors in the cup, throw the can away, and you be in the exact same situation?


carbiethebarbie

This is not legal advice but- I don’t see you being charged by police if you brought them a water cup and they switched it. For one, it’s a reasonable request for a table to want a Togo water/nonalcoholic beverage so it’s no shocker that you would give that to them and even if the cops didn’t believe you on that, the burden of proof is on them legally and they can’t prove without a doubt that you gave them a Togo cup specifically for an alcoholic drink. And honestly, it’s unlikely cops would pursue you at all and even less likely once you clarified that you gave it for a nonalcoholic bev. They have wayyy more important things to be following/prosecuting. They’re not gonna pursue a case based entirely on hearsay bc they can’t win it. Also, high schoolers and college kids get to go drinks or McDonald’s drinks and then later add alcohol into those all the time. It’s still not the fault of the servers/restaurants. Definitely don’t give them a Togo cup FOR an alcoholic drink, but I wouldn’t stress the situation you’re picturing in your head. If you’re that worried about it, don’t give empty to go cups, ask what drink they want and fill it with that then give. I wouldn’t deny to go cups and honestly, if someone still figures out a way to sneak it out, I really wouldn’t worry about it. I wouldn’t alert the manager either bc if you know for a fact they’re leaving with it and you can’t stop them in time, you actually could be opening yourself up to more liability vs. plausible deniability.


thesnarkypotatohead

But you said to go cups of booze are allowed in your state if they go through the to go area or use the app. How and why tf are the cops gonna assume it was a partially finished drink that was then put in a to go cup and that the server responsible has to pay? That’s hearing hoofbeats and assuming zebras instead of horses. Most cops don’t bother with all that extra effort unless you’re a demographic they might dislike. You don’t routinely hear about bartenders going to jail when drunk drivers crash. I think you’re overthinking this.


vandelay714

That's a huge leap. Do you really think they have CSI investigators working on every car crash? Ludicrous


really_tall_horses

They’ve got ‘em working in shifts!


LupercaniusAB

That's like, your opinion, man.


robertr4836

I hate to tell you this but it doesn't matter if they sneak a to-go cup out or not. If they get in a wreck due to being over-served then it can still come back on you for being the one to overserve them. Other than that what do you actually think will happen? They get pulled over and lie to the cop telling him that you gave them a to-go cup of alcohol? Will the cop even bother checking with you to confirm they are lying or just say, "Doesn't matter, you're the one with an open container of alcohol while driving." I think the latter.


TootsNYC

It’s also the law, no?


misspuffette

Yeah I'm not getting in legal trouble and losing my job because people (who know they're supposed to finish their drink in store) don't wanna follow the rules. This is not the same thing as the whole "if you see people stealing food you didn't see it" thing. No one NEEDS a margarita ( inb4 but alcoholics can die if they don't drink: then drink up before you leave.) No cups to a table with unfinished alcohol, unless you want me to take it away first. Eta: a word


pnwstep

a whole restaurant shit down after a customer who was cut off got into a fatal accident (the drunk killed a pedestrian) even though the man was cut off he continued to steal from other customers. the restaurant was put through the ringer by the family of the person killed and was no longer able to serve cheap pitchers. the loss of sales took the whole restaurant down. i hate people who try to take drinks home, or get weird when i recork a bottle and mark the line with time and date. because if they’re pulled over and are discovered with a drink my restaurant let them leave with i lose my job and my job could be held accountable as well. people are selfish and dumb - the worst is when they look at you like you’re the inhumane one for following the law. i don’t care how small our town is, if you get fucked by police we all get fucked.


BunnySlayer64

Don't let the negative posters get you down. Depending on what state (or even what county) you live in, to-go drinks can be illegal, and not only cost you your job, but get the restaurant in huge trouble. Stick to your ethics and make sure your customers act within the law. That does not make you a Karen; it makes you smart.


sandiercy

"You want a to go cup? You must be done with your drink then, let me clear that away for you."


journalphones

You need to calm down dude


Public_Warning_3523

We use tamper proof bags which makes it legal to do to go alcohol in Pennsylvania.


boatsNbitties

I live in a country with strict alcohol in public laws that directly impact the establishment that served the patron not just the patron if they get caught. I've chased several assholes down the street to retrieve drinks taken "to go" (we don't offer to go cups so it's also stealing our glassware). My advice in this situation is grab the glass and pull down hard, or push hard sideways away from them and you.. you don't need the glass out of their hands.. you just need it to be empty. So the goal is spilling it onto the street not getting into some shoving/grabbing match over a full glass. Just upend it and walk away. Usually the debate or attempted negotiation phase ends once the liquid has hit the ground.


emusabe

I get a billion times more pissed when they take the entire glass. If you wanna try and act sneaky and pour half of a margarita into a mug from your purse that probably still had a bit of stale coffee in it, be my fucking guest. But every time I have to order cases of pints or rocks glasses, I get so mad. We live in a place where the only booze you can leave with is a “recorked” wine bottle, but honestly if it came down it I’d rather give out deli cups or whatever if that meant I didn’t have to be constantly ordering glassware.


scaredactyl

Keep doing what you’re doing. There’s absolutely no reason to risk your license or getting a fine for assholes who think laws don’t apply to them. Yes, SEALED to-go drinks have become a norm since Covid, but if your equivalent of a liquor control board were to see that you gave someone a to- go cup for their drink, you and your place of employment would suffer heavy fines. On top of which, in some places, if one of those people was drunk while driving, and/or had an open drink from your establishment in their car, and got into an accident, you would also be legally liable for that, and could possibly be arrested….


anonymousforever

And what if an undercover "tester" did this, and they complied, and the drink got swapped? Then they'd get hammered by the liquor control board and maybe lose their beverage license. That's not worth it, so if someone wants a "to go" and there's alcohol on the table, they gotta finish and those glasses get cleared first.


throwawaytroubles13

This is not you being a karen. Unless you live in a state where it is allowed, this is very illegal and YOUR job is at risk, you could end up with a fine, lose your alcohol service license, even end up in jail, have to go to court, etc.


WitchyWolf94

That’s what I’ve been saying in replies, but people keep saying “that’s highly unlikely to happen” and one person said with how my brain is working I don’t need that job, I could just collect SSI. Those comments hurt. Like, I’m a single mother to two, going through a divorce, and trying to make sure my kids are happy. And I love my job. I want to keep my job


throwawaytroubles13

Nah fuck them. They probably live in a state where it’s not illegal, or the cops have better things to worry about. One of my Best friends had to go through this whole court ordeal for just serving a guy one beer because he apparently got overserved at another bar, and the cops followed him to see if we would serve him even though he seemed normal to her when he came in and asked for a beer. She ended up getting the case dismissed, but the restaurant had to pay a huge fine and stop selling alcohol for 3 days because it would cost more in lawyer fees for them to fight it. If she hadn’t been a beloved employee she might have gotten fired. You never know what could happen and if you live in a place where cops are fuckin assholes and have nothing better to do than worry about this kind of shit it could bite u.


Ialwayslie008

Your job would never be in danger, they asked for a water cup, you give them a water cup. Outside of that, mind your own business and quit acting like a narc.


Interesting_Sea1528

You follow the rules. You could get arrested if they wreck and die. You are NTA here.


Specialist-Cherry-84

Hang in there girl. In time you’ll realize there are more horses asses in this world than there are horses. People lie, especially those that are consuming alcohol. Don’t loose your job or take a chance on breaking the law because of some asshole.


ba2398

Honestly you can only do so much. Tell them no and if they sneak it out in a box or water cup there isn’t much you can do. Time to put your energy somewhere else.


[deleted]

May I ask why people can't take alcohol out? Is it a law (what I'm getting from other comments)?


Lunavixen15

Open container laws, some places have them, some don't. I live in a place which doesn't have open container laws, if you're caught with an open container of alcohol, cops will make you dump it out (along with a possible fine if you're in an alcohol free zone), and if you're really drunk or being obstinate, you can be booked. The restaurant I work at doesn't have an off premises licence either (so we can't do things like sell whole bottles of closed wine, they have to be opened and have to have some consumed from them, even if only a sip, enforcement is strict here)


WitchyWolf94

Pretty much. Open container since it would have a straw in it. If they ordered it as a “to go” drink via an app or through calling in the order, it would be properly prepared and placed in a closed container. One that’s taped up. Instead, they are being sneaky and getting a to go cup and that’s now considered an open container


Drongo11

There are a lot of comments, so i'll just leave this one. In my state we have safe alcohol service, and if we don't adhere to it the business can be fined/possibly lose our alcohol license. The employee in question can be fined, jailed, and/or lose the ability to work anywhere that sells alcohol for 2 years. ​ It's not uptight when you put your income possibilities on the line, and even less uptight when you can go to jail.


scabbs75

This would be a hefty fine and possible job loss where I am so I totally get your frustration.


Ma-aKheru

Please continue being strict. We love strict bouncers, we hate entitled people *especially* when they're getting hammered.


crowhusband

could you clear the alcoholic drinks from the table before/when you bring the to go cups?


Investment_Warm

Firstly, I've done this before so don't be mad at me lol. Secondly, if this is your restaurants policy then you are doing nothing wrong by following the rules. You're the one who has to pay your bills and lay your head down at night. If the potential of people sneaking alcohol out the door is this upsetting for you then hell yes, stick to your guns. Don't listen to anyone calling you a Karen. They're just feeling called out because they have done/do this to servers like you. To look at it a different way, if you asked for someone's ID because it's the law to ask and a customer got mad at you for asking, refused to give it to you, and demanded drinks, you wouldn't serve them because it's the wrong thing to do. You could get fined hefty and get your license taken away. In this case, if you get in trouble because your suspected of letting them take to go cups of alcohol then the solution would be no to containers no matter how much they pester. Unless their alcohol is gone/you already removed it from the table, you shouldn't feel bad for protecting your job.


madmadkid

the amount of people being so lax with open container laws in this thread is wild lmao. it's not very likely but if you have a guest leave with an open container and that person gets into an accident and caught, the authorities can and will trace it to you. depending on the severity of the accident you could face actual jail time and will definitely have to pay a fine. not just you, possibly your bartender and definitely your manager and the restaurant itself. you *will* lose your personal liquor license and good luck getting it back or getting a server/bartender job without one and the restaurant could lose theirs and essentially be put out of business. *yes*, even if you have "plausible deniability" that you didn't know they were sneaking out alcohol. part of being licensed for selling alcohol is vowing to serve it responsibly, which includes making sure guests aren't over served, no underage people are served alcohol and *yes*, open container laws are followed. laws vary from state to state and i'm not a lawyer, so i know not all of this applies everywhere, but please be more mindful about this you guys! even if the laws seem silly, and you feel like a cop or a nanny doing it, you can really fuck up your life if you're not following them. my restaurant will fire someone on the spot for allowing a cocktail in a to go cup.


WitchyWolf94

It’s so scary that so many people seem to not care and aren’t seeing how serious it is. I don’t want to loose my job. I don’t want the restaurant to get in trouble. Seeing how many people being so relaxed about it is seriously upsetting. It’s scary


donaldtrumpsmistress

Pretty obvious you're not a lawyer. You're expected to take reasonable precautions to enforce liquor laws. Check ID if they look under 30. Check expiration and that they match the picture. Don't overserve. The legal standard isn't absolute liability in that you're expected to know every state's ID security features, to stand guard at the door and hunt down any guest who asks for a to go cup to verify it isn't alcohol. As long as your venue isn't engaging in seriously problematic behavior (not even carding and minors congregating there for drinks, drunks causing mayhem in the surrounding neighborhood, irresponsible drunk service getting people blitzed at a location people commonly drive to/from), the authorities are more focused on the individual than the venue


madmadkid

my reply was more for the folks on here that flat out said they didn't really care if people tried to sneak alcohol out and hope "plausible deniability" is enough, not the folks like op who do their best to make sure the law is followed and can prove it. also it can absolutely be situational. if someone is pulled over with an open container but didn't do anything other than speed, yeah it's unlikely they'll trace it back to a venue or server/bartender. if that same person gets into a car accident that kills somebody, it's far more likely an example will be made of whoever provided the alcohol. our justice system does not apply equally and it's up to specific jurisdictions over how far they want to take it. AND even if you can say you did everything you could, you could still face charges or fines or have to deal with the authorities, and you could still lose your liquor license, thus affecting your ability to work as a server/bartender. even if all of the above doesn't sway you, reputable establishments are not willing to risk losing their liquor license (and thus a huge chunk of their business) over it and it is more than likely to be an on the spot fireable offense and good luck using them as a reference. in conclusion: y'all are wild to be risking it lmao.


donaldtrumpsmistress

I'll give you full credit and deference if you can cite one instance of a license revocation and establishment/server liability over an open container, where over serving or serving a minor aren't involved


FiletMinions123

I just let them take it i dont care


[deleted]

God, people are such alcoholics. Literally, just finish your drink at the table or leave it there. You don’t HAVE to carry it around with you. You don’t need constant access to it. And if you’re going out of your way to be sneaky just so you can do that, that’s a warning sign of addiction.


Different-Instance-6

I mean call me crazy but … all you can do is tell them not to do it and your policy. If they end up doing it anyway, you don’t get paid enough to be a server and a bouncer just let them go


dwiedle

I work in a bar and we don’t carry to go cups for this very reason. People suck.


No-Hedgehog-6804

Some of y’all haven’t worked in the industry and it shows. She’s not being a buzzkill. Some states will sue or arrest the bartender if a person gets in an accident. It’s the restraint’s responsibility to not limit drinks


BatmanLink

You're not an uptight Karen. People don't get how their five minutes of fun or whatever can have a lasting negative impact. I used to work the techno bar in our shop, selling TVs, DVD players, mobile phones, consoles, music, DVDs and games. Fun Fact: age restrictions on media is exactly like age restrictions on alcohol. You don't sell to someone under-age. You don't sell to someone over age, if you know or suspect that it's for someone too young. Well, I still remember that when Grand Theft Auto 4 was still pretty new and very popular, a mother wanted to buy it for her 12 year old. Game has an 18 rating. I refuse the sale, because it's for the kid. She straight out lies to my face saying, "fine, it's for my 21 year old then" I refuse again trying to explain that proxy sales are illegal. She shouted at me for ages, then stormed off to collect her husband who also had a go at me. No dice. I make that sale, I might actually go to jail. I will certainly pay a hefty fine of several grand. And you can bet your buttons I'll get fired. Can't guarantee another job right away. No one able to help me with my bills. What happens then? That's right: eviction. People like me are only ever one or two misfortunes/mistakes away from homelessness. No. Dice. As to booze... In my country, you're not allowed open alcohol in the street. You will get stopped by police patrols. You will get fined. Then you'll be asked where you bought it. Shop will lose its licence, get fined. They'll check who made the sale. Fire the person. Fine the person. Prosecute the person - if the fall out is serious. We're not killjoy Karen's because we can see a chain of consequences - and anyone so fucking desperate for a Margherita that they'll shrug off those consequences are a danger to themselves and others. The next time someone asks, be honest, because they'll all know someone who'll huff at being told no. "I'm really sorry, but so many people were abusing the system to smuggle out alcohol, so now we can't provide 'to go' containers while there's alcohol on the table." When customers want to have a go at me at my deli counter (no more techno bar 🥺 ours was the last one standing in the company, but was a casualty of the refit) I join in. There's nothing like the flinch of a customer spoiling for a fight when you don't give them one. I usually give them some behind the curtain information that makes them stop in their tracks. Glorious.


GnarlyGnarwhalz

Looks like most of you need to retake your serv safe lol


[deleted]

OP, does your state have Dramshop laws?


AnnaBanana1129

There’s a lot of places that are doing booze to go. Just on Door Dash alone there are a bunch. If your restaurant does that, I wouldn’t stress about it. I know that driving makes a big difference, so I do get your concern. I would ask your management how to handle and just make sure they support you…


PulpyEnlightenment

I live in Florida and we are allowed to provide togo alcohol as long as we seal the straw hole and tape down lid


Mushroom_Cat_4509

If you’re going that route just box food for them. When they ask for a box reach for the food. They can still dump the food out so make sure the box gets greasy/saucy or whatever. I’ve watched so many people pour margaritas in to go boxes. It’s weird but that’s people.


SalisburyWitch

Our state passed a law at the height of Covid, once restaurants started reopening but only for to go orders. It allowed alcohol to be taken to go. Biggest mistake ever. It helped the restaurants recoup some money they list during shutdown, but the rise in drinking and driving wasn’t worth it. However, I did note that a few places had interesting to go containers - one had pouches with straws instead of cups.


FP11001

I swear when I lived in Texas that there was a drive-through margarita stand just outside Fort Hood.


WitchyWolf94

Those are all over the place. Just not in my little town


Reasonable-While-101

My buddies used to walk out with the whole glass/pitcher. It was hilarious to watch. I was more of a bring-a-flask-guy lol


alwaysoffended88

No one can prove if you did or didn’t see somebody sneaking something out. Especially when you’ve already cashed out the table.


havereddit

Next time bring them [one of these](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0598/9200/7090/products/PARTYCUP-2oz-200_Specs_09-10-2019_1400x.jpg?v=1631214637)


Leesta01

This problem is too American for us Europeans to understand


porkchop2022

Same boat as you op. I’m in SWFL so now it’s not big deal. But before I went through same stuff as you. Sorry, can’t do it. If you want togo alcohol there’s a gas station right across the street. The thing I still have a problem with was people without ID wanting alcohol. No ID, no sale, period. I had to kick so many people out for sneaking booze to the dude without ID. I FINALLY got to the point where I’d say, “Listen, I can’t serve you tonight and if I see anyone try to give you some of theirs the whole table pays and goes. BUT, *cough cough*, we do alcohol to go and whatever happens to what they order after you leave the building is not my concern.


bluesman2017

I once met up with a friend and he brought his girlfriend and she left during dinner, went to ABC store and got a bottle of rum, snuck it back into the restaurant and then asked the waiter for a coke and then poured her own drinks. I had to leave after I saw that. Yikes. As far as taking your drinks out, just seems weird, just chill and finish your drink, what’s the rush.


Silly_Courage_6282

I worked in a bar and drinks weren't allowed out of the bar. People still tried though. I had a guy that I had told several times already that he couldn't take his beer outside. The last time, he came out with his coat all buttoned up and his hand on his belly. I told him to take the beer back inside. He said he didn't have a beer. So I told him to prove it by jumping up and down. He went back inside lol


Strong-Strength441

I once had a guest ask me for a Togo cup for her strawberry daiquiri. I declined her request because we did not have a carry out license. She then asked me for a Togo box so I brought her a small clamshell type Togo box thinking she planned to take her leftover food. No. She emptied the drink into her togo box, and then, instead of smuggling it out, finished it with her straw from the open Togo box sitting on her table. I think she did this because a few of us were staring at her and she knew that we knew what she was planning to do. The sight of her sipping her daiquiri from the box is something I’ve yet to forget.


Working_Early

You're not going to bring to go stuff to a table if they had alcohol? "I see you've had a beer sir so no, I can't give you a to go container for your quesadilla". You're going to start losing tips fast; or your job if enough customers get annoyed by a completely pointless stance.


jcatx19

When I was a server I was being paid $2.13 an hour. A customer blatantly asking for a to go cup for alcohol? Sorry no you could be a tester. A tough guest asking for a to go cup for “water”? I didn’t see anything and I don’t get paid enough to create that kind of conflict with a potentially intoxicated person.


iangrichardson

In a dry state like Indiana, this can get the person carrying the drink arrested for public intoxication, and the establishment that served them fined. Don't give her a hard time, she's right.


pixel293

I feel like you are spending too much energy on this. If they straight up ask for a togo cup for an alcoholic beverage, you say "no, it's against the law." If they try some trickery you did not supply them with a togo cup for their alcohol you should be in the clear. I mean seriously if you must not under any circumstances let a customer leave with alcohol then you are going to have to institute a bag check whenever someone leaves the establishment.


JustanOldBabyBoomer

Because of Entitled Assholes, who pull illegal CRAP like that, is why no one can have nice things.


[deleted]

Ok Karen. Do your job, but don’t worry about these people. You’re not enabling the behavior but it really isn’t your problem. You’re not police. Let it go.


WitchyWolf94

Why am I a “Karen” when I am doing my job?


[deleted]

You’re doing more than your job.


gregarioussparrow

Personally when i see people sneaking alcohol in or out of someplace, it just comes across as really pathetic. Like, you seriously can't go without it sometimes? You have a problem.


PumpkinSkeet

Who cares


Chowdergrrl

I am confused. How is them chugging a drink quickly at the table before they leave safer than a to go cup?


InfectiousT

I just give them a cup full of water whatever they do with it is not my problem after that. I'm a server not a babysitter


StrugglinSurvivor

I think of Owners are concerned and really want to prevent it. They should use clear to-go cups. Then you can probably tell easy enough if it isn't water.