The Crazy Way Police Spot Drunk Drivers

 At first glance, it looks like chaos: It’s 9 a.m., volunteers are lining up for double pours, and an officer is shouting, “Terry, I need you to take another double!” But this isn’t a morning bender—it’s a highly controlled police training session used across the U.S. to teach officers to recognize impairment with stunning accuracy.

Bars and restaurants might laugh at the visual, but hidden inside this wild scene is a serious truth—and a powerful reminder for owners and future consultants. Because if trained officers can spot impairment instantly, it reinforces something every bar operator must remember:

Guests almost always think they’re more sober than they are.

And that’s where real risk begins.

Why Police Run These Wild Morning Drinking Labs

These sessions, often called “wet labs,” are designed to help officers practice identifying impairment using real people—not textbooks, not hypotheticals. Volunteers drink measured amounts of alcohol under supervision, and officers observe how different bodies react.

What the sessions include:

• Precisely measured drinks (yes, doubles included)

• Timed alcohol consumption

• On-site BAC readings

• Field sobriety tests

• Officer practice identifying subtle impairment signs

Suggested image: Volunteers sipping drinks in a controlled training roomAlt text: “Volunteers participating in a supervised police alcohol training session.”

These sessions are surprisingly scientific—right down to predicting a person’s BAC before they even blow into the breathalyzer.

“Terry, Take Another Double” — The Science Behind the Spectacle

The viral humor of these training sessions comes from how shockingly precise the officers are:

• They know how many ounces affect a 150-lb person.

• They know how long it takes for impairment to “kick in.”

• They call out the next drink like a bartender with a PhD in physiology.

But that precision has a sobering message:

People are terrible at judging their own impairment.

Volunteers feel confident.Spot-on.Totally steady, totally “fine.”

And then they fail every sobriety test.

It’s funny until you remember:This is exactly what happens in bars every night.

Why This Matters for Bars and Bar Owners

Bar owners face one of the biggest legal and safety responsibilities in hospitality: preventing over service. Watching police wet labs makes one thing incredibly clear:

1. Guests don’t know their real limit

If trained volunteers in a scientific environment can’t self-assess, your Friday-night crowd definitely can’t.

2. Staff training is non-negotiable

Your bartenders must be skilled in:

• pacing drinks

• identifying impairment

• managing guest behavior

• making the tough call to cut someone off

3. Systems protect your business

Police don’t guess—neither should your staff.Clear alcohol-service rules = fewer risks. 

Lessons for Aspiring Consultants in the Bar Industry

These wild morning drinking labs are a near-perfect model of what good consulting looks like.

1. Observe behavior, not assumptions

Consultants learn to see what others miss—just like officers identifying impairment.

2. Build repeatable systems

Training programs, SOPs, checklists… these are the backbone of bar operations.

3. Help owners reduce liability and increase safety

One strong alcohol-service program can save a bar from lawsuits, fines, or worse.

If you want to become a consultant, start by studying how controlled environments (like these labs) create predictable safety outcomes.

FAQ Section

1. Do police really run these morning drinking labs?

Yes. Many agencies conduct controlled alcohol exercises to help officers identify impairment safely and accurately.

2. Why do volunteers drink alcohol during training?

It creates realistic impairment scenarios so officers can practice observation skills and sobriety testing.

3. What does this have to do with bars?

Bars deal with impaired guests every day. These lessons highlight how easily guests misjudge their own intoxication.

4. How can bar owners reduce overservice risks?

Through clear policies, proper staff training, and consistent documentation—systems consultants often help build.

5. How can I become a bar or restaurant consultant?

Learn bar operations, safety standards, and risk management. Start at TheRestaurantCompany.us.

Conclusion

The wild, hilarious, unbelievable world of 9 a.m. police drinking labs isn’t just a quirky story—it’s a mirror. It shows how easily people misjudge their own impairment and how essential it is for bars to have strong safety systems.

For bar owners, this is a reminder that smart operations protect your business and your guests.For future consultants, it’s proof that structured training and data-driven decisions change everything.

Ready to elevate your bar—or your consulting career?Head to TheRestaurantCompany.us and take your next step.