Should a valet driver refuse giving the keys back to a drunk person?

[ihatework]

If someone is drunk and going to drive off should valet refuse to give that person back their keys?

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+1 y

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[Anonymous]

If you look at case law throughout the US about drunk driving, people are actually said to have the responsibility to go as far as not selling the person gas for their car if they are blatantly drunk. This is often referred to as the worker owing "a duty of reasonable care" to the person and those people on the roadway.

Generally speaking, I could see how this is an interest of the state, especially since some people drive not only drunk but uninsured. Whatever damage made by the drunk person needs to be remedied in some way, whether its paying the person who lost their leg after being hit by a drunk driver through disability payments, replacing the street lights, or even rebuilding a public building or vehicle taken down by the drunkie.

I don't think the valet person should be punished, but I do agree that a reasonable and prudent person should prevent the drunk person from self harm and harming others. But then there are issues like false imprisonment and causing inconvenience to said drunk person by not allowing them to get home or to the next nearest happy-hour.

It'd be interesting if the valet people set up a sort of contract that would allow them to keep your keys and maybe even get you a cab at your expense if you agree... although I question their actual ability to agree to a cab while intoxicated.

[TheoryOfAvarice]

Probably, but... what would the alternatives be? Leaving them stranded without a way home? Driving the person home/wherever they need to go (assuming they're capable of giving directions)?

I'm definitely not in support of drunk driving, but I just wonder how that situation would be handled if the valet decided the person was too drunk to be allowed to have their keys back.

[ArtistBboy]

Offer to call a taxi and clarify that the keys will be available in the morning if the person is not intoxicated.. Seems reasonable, if the person cannot maintain their demeanor (then how could they possibly be able to drive) but in the event things become hostile - that's what law enforcement is paid for.

[queefy]

I actualy drive better when I'm drunk. That's the only time I'm not putting on make up.

Actually, if I was a valet I wouldn't give old people back their keys.

[ihatework]

LOL!

[queefy]

Though one person didn't get my jokes :)

Or they're just testing to see if I got them blocked

[stillagoodgirl]

Of course

[ArtistBboy]

It's discussions like these which make "the land of the free" not so free. I was a DUI'r about 3-4 years back, really made a mess out of my life, and I wish people could step in without laws being passed like this. I mean, should there really be a law REQUIRING people to wear a seatbelt? What happen to free choice?

My opinion is that the vallet should have always had the power to withhold the keys - it comes from common sense. If the person isn't capable of driving, keep the keys from him. But my argument comes from making laws out of sh*t that should be common sense. "We can't do that! We don't want to be sued for keeping him here, nor do we want to deal with his behavior!" This is the sh*t that I would post on YouTube and have all the decent people in America choose the next competitor to park their cars, or to get the contract with said casino.

If you go out to have a fun time, but end up drinking and driving, do yourself a favor and ask me for the pictures of what I looked like; what kind of shape my car was in, and the documentation of all the broken bones / fines / bills that I've had to recover from. All I have to say, is that if it wasn't for my dad being absolutely amazing during a time-in-need, I'd be working at taco bell the rest of my life; in jail, or dead.

~ ArtistBBoy

[taster]

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[rachiee]

I think so. Like the article said, it can make the valet company liable. They were sober witnesses to it and allowed it to happen (an argument I'm sure people would use against them if something bad happens to their loved ones).

[oOsweet~o~nessOo]

I would say so. At least see if the drunk person has friends to drive them or call the person a cab or somethin?

[ihatework]

but typically the drunk driver gets his keys and drives off. boston passed a law for this but it's only there that I know of.

[oOsweet~o~nessOo]

Wow - yea I think they should tell valets to keep the keys if the person isn't safe to drive. In all states

[WoIIie]

If you gave the keys and valet parked... you play by their rules.

[ihatework]

right now there are no rules, boston just passed a law but it's not widespread yet. typically they just give back the keys even if you're visibly drunk. it's an issue here because of the number of casinos and how freely the alcohol flows.

[WoIIie]

A drunk person does not constitute as a competant party. So for a law to pass like that presumably to protect our liberties, its doing the opposite. Its putting people in danger.

[ThenThereWas1]

Yes. If I handed a drunk person their keys, and they got in an accident that night and hurt tons of people along with themselves, I'd feel horrible!

[martyfellow]

yes, he should. Let them scream and threaten to sue, etc. Whine, sniffle, sob.

[Arwens-Fire]

Absolutely.I would never willingly give keys to someone intoxicated even if it is my job.

[taster]

Should hand over the Keys of Life to the a$$hole censors on this site/:

[CindiluvsFriends]

Yes! If the person is intoxicated and the valet is aware,then sure.

[LoveLayne]

yes, that's there job.. anything else is the drivers fault

[jacquesvol]

Of course, that's common sense: would you hand a loaded gun to a furious teenager?

[Anonymous]

Yes but they should get a friend to drive them home

[johari]

Ya and call a cab

[jasonmal]

yes, always!