Alcohol and other drug intoxication – workplace risks from intoxication come from both the customer and the employee. Anyone who has worked in the hospitality industry will be aware of the dangers that intoxicated or drug affected customers pose. From verbal abuse to physical abuse of staff or fellow customers intoxicated people are unpredictable and depending upon what they have ingested may be very dangerous. An employee may constitute a risk in the workplace if they are in a position where their conduct can create a dangerous situation.
When dealing with intoxicated people it is best to remain calm and not inflame the situation. If you have security staff it is best that the deal with the person as they are trained to deal with such situations. If security aren’t present and you feel the situation is getting out of hand call the police.
If it is a fellow employee affected you should inform management immediately of the issue, as an intoxicated employee could pose a danger to yourself and your colleagues and also customers.