South Carolina Security Guard Practice Exam

A Security Guard is working as a doorperson at a licensed establishment. An obviously intoxicated person is leaving the bar. What should the Security Guard do?

1. Arrest the person for drunk and disorderly in a public place

2. Follow them to their car and call the police

3. Ensure they have a safe way to get home

4. Nothing, as you have no authority under the Liquor License Act

The correct answer is: Ensure they have a safe way to get home

The primary duty of a Security Guard is to ensure the safety of all persons within the areas they are tasked to protect. This includes people leaving a premise who are in a state of intoxication. While the guard is not authorized to make arrests under the Liquor License Act, they do have the responsibility to monitor the situation and take the necessary steps to ensure the person reaches home safely. This could mean arranging for a taxi or suggesting the individual call someone to come and pick them up. The goal here is to prevent any harm that could befall the individual due to their current state of inebriation and inability to fully care for themselves. Ensuring that the visibly intoxicated person has a safe way to get home not only demonstrate the security guard's professionalism but also helps to de-escalate any potential risky situation.