Bartender Shows Secret Technique For Cutting Off Customers From Alcohol Without Confrontation

A popular bartender on TikTok has become a viral sensation for showing how he secretly cuts people off from alcohol.

Benji Smith, better known by his comedic TikTok account @BenjiSpears, has amassed more than 1.5 million followers with his funny skits and drink-making tutorials.

In a recent video, he reenacted his secret drink cutoff technique that he uses with his friends to prevent them from having one too many. The 20-second video, uploaded on Thursday, April 27, has been viewed more than 7.7 million times.

In the clip, Smith shows how he solves the issue with a non-confrontational approach by pretending to pour a clear spirit while spraying a clear carbonated beverage with his soda gun. 

He finishes the non-alcoholic drink by pretending to pour another liquor in, spraying a red-hued soda, and squeezing a lime wedge before serving. "Alright honey, a strong one coming right up," Smith says before he extends the secret mocktail.

The video has received overwhelming support from TikTok users, with more than 790,300 likes, 19,100 saves, 6,270 shares, and 1,060 comments at the time of publication.

Many users praised Smith's trick, calling him a good friend and bartender for looking out for his drunk bestie.

However, some questioned whether Smith charges his friends full price for their nonalcoholic drinks.

In a comment, Smith replied that he doesn't charge people for alcohol they haven't consumed. But he can't speak for other bartenders.

Some commenters doubted whether all bartenders are generous enough to reflect the discounted charge or offer a free drink since the fake beverage doesn't contain the alcohol that was ordered.

"And that's the bartender trick! They don't even know," one commenter wrote, which received over 11,000 likes.

"Me when I cut my regulars off. They're like 'doesn't taste like alcohol!' And I'm like 'Wow, are you SURE you're not drunk???'" another commenter wrote, which earned over 39,200 likes.

In many states, bartenders and commercial alcohol servers can be held liable for damages or injuries caused by drunken patrons.

According to "Alcohol in America: Taking Action to Prevent Abuse," a 1985 guide published by The National Academies Press, which can also be found in the National Library of Medicine, bartenders and servers can be sued for serving alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated, regardless of whether the patron was already drunk when they arrived at the establishment.

Similar warnings have been outlined in a legal research report published by the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is entitled "Laws Prohibiting Alcohol Sales To Intoxicated Persons." 

These laws aim to reduce the number of alcohol-related accidents and fatalities by preventing bartenders and servers from over-serving patrons.

While some bartenders may use the fake drink technique to protect their patrons and themselves from legal trouble, others may simply be looking out for their customers' well-being.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), excessive alcohol consumption is responsible for an average of 95,000 deaths in the United States each year.

Drinking too much alcohol can lead to a range of health problems, including liver disease, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.

Bartenders are often the first line of defense against excessive drinking and its associated risks.

They are trained to recognize the signs of intoxication, such as slurred speech, impaired coordination, and aggressive behavior, and to take appropriate action to prevent harm to their patrons and the public.

The ultimate aim of any responsible bartender is to provide a safe and pleasant experience to their customers while minimizing the negative consequences associated with excessive alcohol consumption. 

Achieving this requires a blend of expertise, training, and practical knowledge, as well as a dedication to responsible service and a willingness to intervene when necessary.

Here are a few funny and interesting comments.

Smith gets buddy in the form of Nic.

Miss M has added more detail.

Comments showing people are enjoying this moment and also appreciating Smith.

Some referred to him as KING and some referred to him as A REAL FRIEND.

Few more comments...