If you serve an obviously intoxicated patron, what is the legal consequence?

Serving an obviously intoxicated patron can result in a misdemeanor charge. This is because many jurisdictions have laws that establish a duty for servers and establishments to monitor the alcohol consumption of their patrons. If a server fails to comply with these laws and serves someone who is clearly intoxicated, they can be held criminally liable for contributing to that patron's potential harm or for any disturbances that may arise as a result of their intoxication. A misdemeanor is often the legal classification for such violations, reflecting the seriousness of the offense while still distinguishing it from more severe felonies.

The other consequences, such as a fine or arrest, could potentially be outcomes depending on the situation but are not strictly the legal consequence associated with serving an intoxicated patron on their own. In many cases, these could be part of the broader legal process following the misdemeanor charge, rather than direct consequences in themselves. There is also no valid reasoning for there to be no consequence, as this would undermine the enforcement of responsible alcohol service laws meant to protect both patrons and the public.