What does "over-serving" mean in the context of alcohol service?

In the context of alcohol service, "over-serving" refers to providing a customer with more alcohol than is responsible, which can lead to intoxication and increased risk of harm. This practice is closely monitored because it has legal and safety implications. Servers and bartenders have a responsibility to ensure they do not serve excessive quantities of alcohol to patrons, as over-serving can contribute to dangerous situations, such as impaired driving and alcohol-related accidents.

The other options relate to typical service practices but do not encapsulate the concept of over-serving. For instance, serving a customer their favorite drink is simply good service and not inherently irresponsible. Offering discounts during happy hours or complimentary drinks at special events can be part of responsible service as long as it does not lead to excessive consumption. Over-serving specifically addresses the act of providing alcohol beyond what is sensible or safe for an individual.