Server & Seller Awareness
Server & Seller Awareness
Proud to be a Buzzkill. Because it Means You’re Saving Lives.
As a server or seller of alcohol in New Mexico, you hold one of the most important jobs when it comes to preventing drunk driving. You’re on the front lines, not just of customer service, but of public safety. When you make the call to stop serving someone who’s had too much to drink, you’re not only protecting your workplace, you’re helping protect everyone on the road. That’s something to be proud of.
Being a Buzzkill isn’t about spoiling someone’s fun. It’s about stepping up when it matters most. When someone’s judgment is impaired, they can’t always make the right choice for themselves. That’s when your judgment matters.
Your Job is Vital
Every time you cut someone off or refuse a sale, you’re helping prevent a crash, an arrest, or even a fatality. In fact, more than half of DWI arrests in New Mexico begin with alcohol consumed at a licensed establishment. When you tell someone you can’t serve them, you’re not just following the law, you’re protecting lives. And you’re not alone. Across the state, responsible sellers and servers are united in taking their jobs seriously and helping ENDWI.
The Law Has Your Back. In New Mexico:
It’s illegal to sell, serve, or enable someone to obtain alcohol if they’re intoxicated.
Every person who sells or serves alcohol must be certified with an Alcohol Server Permit.
Selling to someone who is intoxicated, even if they’re not driving, can result in serious legal consequences for you and your establishment.
First-time violations can lead to a suspension of your permit and the establishment’s liquor license.
A liquor license is a privilege, not a right. Protecting our roads from drunk drivers is everyone’s job.
How to Handle It.
Refusing service can feel uncomfortable. But your confidence and calm approach make a difference. Here are some tips for when you need to cut someone off:
• Be polite, but firm. You have every right to say no. “I’m sorry, I can’t sell you another drink tonight.”
• Discreet is best. Handle things quietly and respectfully to avoid embarrassment and escalation.
• Ask for backup. If you’re unsure or the customer is uncooperative, call in a manager or coworker.
• Call for help if needed. If someone is threatening or won’t leave, don’t hesitate to alert authorities.
Your actions not only keep others safe, they also protect your job, your coworkers and community.
How to Spot the Signs
Intoxication doesn’t always look the same, but there are warning signs to watch for:
- Slurred or loud speech
- Bloodshot eyes or flushed face
- Stumbling, swaying, or poor balance
- Knocking over drinks or missing their mouth
- Aggressive behavior or fighting
- Vomiting or repeated hiccups
- Overuse of profanity or inappropriate language
As someone who serves or sells alcohol, you are a key part of New Mexico’s effort to ENDWI. You have the training. You know the law. You have good instincts. We all appreciate the important job you do keeping our roads safe.
Proud to be a Buzzkill. Because it Means You’re Saving Lives.
As a server or seller of alcohol in New Mexico, you hold one of the most important jobs when it comes to preventing drunk driving. You’re on the front lines, not just of customer service, but of public safety. When you make the call to stop serving someone who’s had too much to drink, you’re not only protecting your workplace, you’re helping protect everyone on the road. That’s something to be proud of.
Being a Buzzkill isn’t about spoiling someone’s fun. It’s about stepping up when it matters most. When someone’s judgment is impaired, they can’t always make the right choice for themselves. That’s when your judgment matters.
Your Job Is Vital
Every time you cut someone off or refuse a sale, you’re helping prevent a crash, an arrest, or even a fatality. In fact, more than half of DWI arrests in New Mexico begin with alcohol consumed at a licensed establishment. When you tell someone you can’t serve them, you’re not just following the law, you’re protecting lives. And you’re not alone. Across the state, responsible sellers and servers are united in taking their jobs seriously and helping ENDWI.
Server Training Video
The Law Has Your Back
In New Mexico:
It’s illegal to sell, serve, or enable someone to obtain alcohol if they’re intoxicated.
Every person who sells or serves alcohol must be certified with an Alcohol Server Permit.
Selling to someone who is intoxicated, even if they’re not driving, can result in serious legal consequences for you and your establishment.
First-time violations can lead to a suspension of your permit and the establishment’s liquor license.
A liquor license is a privilege, not a right. Protecting our roads from drunk drivers is everyone’s job.
How to Handle It
Refusing service can feel uncomfortable. But your confidence and calm approach make a difference. Here are some tips for when you need to cut someone off:
• Be polite, but firm. You have every right to say no. “I’m sorry, I can’t sell you another drink tonight.”
• Discreet is best. Handle things quietly and respectfully to avoid embarrassment and escalation.
• Ask for backup. If you’re unsure or the customer is uncooperative, call in a manager or coworker.
• Call for help if needed. If someone is threatening or won’t leave, don’t hesitate to alert authorities.
Your actions not only keep others safe, they also protect your job, your coworkers and community.
How to Spot the Signs
Intoxication doesn’t always look the same, but there are warning signs to watch for:
• Slurred or loud speech
• Bloodshot eyes or flushed face
• Stumbling, swaying, or poor balance
• Knocking over drinks or missing their mouth
• Aggressive behavior or fighting
• Vomiting or repeated hiccups
• Overuse of profanity or inappropriate language
As someone who serves or sells alcohol, you are a key part of New Mexico’s effort to ENDWI. You have the training. You know the law. You have good instincts. We all appreciate the important job you do keeping our roads safe.
