The licensee and problems drinking: a practitioner's view

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explain the ethical issues faced by licensees and how they are addressed to ensure suitable behaviour by customers.Design methodology approach - The daily round of "problem drinkers" is identified, and the attitudes to their service examined.Findings - In order to run a profitable business, only those who cause offence to others are likely to be refused service.Practical implications - This paper should provide academics and others not directly involved in the industry with an idea of some of the issues faced by licensees.Originality value - Little work has been done on the opinions and attitudes of licensees to the issues of problem drinkers. This paper may help to rectify that.