What to Do If You See a Disturbance in Your Establishment

Handling Fights and Disturbances like a Pro

As you work your shifts in bustling bars or restaurants, you develop a sense for when things are going smoothly and when trouble might be brewing. You know what I mean—one moment it’s laughter and clinking glasses, and the next, you hear raised voices and tense energy.

But when you find yourself in the thick of a fight or disturbance, the stakes suddenly get high. That’s why, in Washington's Mandatory Alcohol Server Training (MAST), you'll learn the critical steps to take in such situations. Spoiler alert: the key action isn’t just to jump in and try to play peacemaker.

What Should You Do If a Fight Breaks Out?

Imagine this scenario: two patrons are yelling at each other, and it looks like things might escalate. Now, here’s where your choice matters. Should you:

• A. Ignore it
• B. Attempt to calm the situation yourself
• C. Notify security or law enforcement immediately
• D. Ask the customers to leave

While options A, B, and D might pop into your head, the best and safest choice is C—Notify security or law enforcement immediately.

The Best Defense is a Good Offense

Okay, so why exactly is this the right choice? Well, there are a couple of reasons to consider. First off, trained professionals are equipped to handle these situations. Think about it: security staff and law enforcement have the experience and authority to de-escalate conflicts. They know how to manage aggressive behavior without further inflaming the situation.

Now, let’s talk about the risks of trying to play hero. Attempting to calm things down yourself can put you in harm's way. Sure, you might have good intentions, but if those involved are emotional or, worse, aggressive, it can escalate quickly. This is not the time for bravery—it's the time for smart decision-making.

Why Ignoring the Disturbance Isn't an Option

And what about option A? Ignoring it may seem tempting at first. "If I don’t acknowledge it, maybe it’ll just blow over?" Unfortunately, ignoring a disturbance can allow it to grow. A situation that starts small might escalate into a massive issue, endangering the safety of everyone around. It’s like that snowball effect—what starts as a small flurry quickly gathers momentum and turns into an avalanche.

Asking Customers to Leave—A Risky Move

Then there’s option D—asking the customers to leave. While it can sound reasonable, it might not always be effective. What if these patrons are already riled up and don’t take kindly to being told to leave? You could be putting yourself at risk for further confrontation. Remember, it takes one tense word to spark a full-blown fight.

Prioritizing Safety: Your Top Concern

So here’s the thing: as a server, your primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of your patrons and fellow staff. Notifying security or law enforcement means you're prioritizing safety over everything else. You’re handing over the situation to those who can handle it properly, and that’s a smart move. You’ll be protecting not just yourself, but everyone involved—your coworkers, the patrons, and even the individuals who might need some serious intervention.

Final Thoughts

When you’re faced with a disturbance in your establishment, remember this advice: don’t hesitate to call for help when you need it. The next time your gut tells you something’s off—trust it! While you may feel tempted to step in, the best solution often lies in allowing trained professionals to do their job. With these skills in your toolkit, you’ll not only be knowledgeable but ready to maintain a safe environment for everyone in the joint. This doesn’t just make you a better server—it makes you a crucial part of your team, and that's something to be proud of!

So keep your head on a swivel, stay alert, and remember: safety always comes first!