How should a licensee respond to a nuisance complaint?

• A. Address noise, loitering, and safety concerns; work with authorities to remedy issues.
• B. Ignore the complaint unless it involves a legal citation.
• C. Increase alcohol promotions to divert attention.
• D. Remove employees from contact with the public.

Answer: (A)

Addressing nuisance complaints focuses on reducing the disturbances that led to the concern and keeping the operation in good standing with local laws and license conditions. The best approach is to identify the specific issues—noise, loitering, and safety concerns—and take concrete steps to remedy them, such as coordinating with authorities, improving security and crowd management, adjusting operations or hours as needed, and reinforcing staff training and patron expectations. This demonstrates responsibility, helps prevent enforcement actions, and protects the surrounding community.

Ignoring the complaint doesn’t fix the problem and can lead to penalties. Increasing promotions to divert attention doesn’t address the root cause and may worsen community impact. Removing staff from contact with the public doesn’t solve the nuisance and undermines service and safety.