Bartender Fired For Calling Cops on Drunk Driver
By MADD | March 7, 2013| 10 Comments | Filed in: Drunk Driving

It takes every concerned citizen to help prevent drunk driving.  MADD has always said, if you think you see someone driving drunk, don’t hesitate to call the police. 

That’s what Twyla DeVito, a bartender in Shelby, Ohio did… and she was fired for it.  A patron at the bar she was working at had been drinking all day, and when he went to get in his car to head home, Twyla knew he had no business driving so she called the police.  He failed the sobriety test and his BAC was twice over the legal limit.  But soon after, Twyla received a call from her boss and was fired because having a bartender who will call the cops is “bad for business.”

Twyla’s story has been featured on Inside Edition and was discussed on the show The Talk, where Sharon Osbourne said, “I think it’s so unfair she got let go. Hideous.”

We commend Twyla, and people like her across the country, for taking the necessary steps to save lives, no matter the consequences.

Learn how to recognize and report drunk drivers on the roadways and read tips on how to prevent someone from driving drunk.


   

Comments

Submitted by Angel at 01:54 AM on March 23, 2013
I used to be a bartender, and every 3 months we had to take a class with the "alcohol guy". He went over how to check for fake ID's, how to determine when to cut someone off, and to offer assistance in getting home (cab). He also explained WHY we needed to make sure and check IDs thoroughly and NOT serve someone who is considered drunk. I am certain this lady was not fired for (just) calling the police. However, the owner of the establishment was well within rights for firing her for over serving the gentleman. MADD- instead of commending her for calling the police, you should be more concerned about the greed behind over serving the patron and allowing him to get drunk in a public establishment (not home) in the first place.
Submitted by Luna Wolfe at 10:06 AM on March 20, 2013
@TEXAS BARTENDER: she still did the right thing. Even though she didn't call them man a cab. He was going to drive under the influence. He KNEW he was drunk and was gonna drive anyway. What would have happened if you or someone you cared about would have been out there and she had done nothing? She did something that helped save the lives of many.
Submitted by Syd at 04:19 PM on March 13, 2013
I think the people that vote NO are owners of bars and are just looking at the money, but they need to think about it this way. What if that Man drove down the road a killed one of his children or family members... Then how would they vote???
Submitted by Texas Bartender at 11:02 AM on March 12, 2013
Did she ever factor in that her boss fired her for over serving as well and not offering a cab to the patron? All the bars i've worked at in Texas will pay for your cab ride if we feel you shouldn't be driving.
Submitted by jokermom at 10:43 AM on March 12, 2013
I do believe she did the right thing, but I also cant help but think, as a bartender she should know when the cut off point is as well....
Submitted by Anonymous at 11:15 PM on March 11, 2013
There needs to be more bartenders like this one the roads would be a lot safer.
Submitted by gridlocksmith at 12:29 PM on March 9, 2013
Someone who values character and integrity will offer a far better job. Her good karma will outdistance her old boss's greedy dogma!
Submitted by Halimesh at 12:50 PM on March 8, 2013
Wow. I believe that was really stupid that she got fired over that. You live to drink another day alcoholic.
Submitted by Anonymous at 11:57 AM on March 8, 2013
After losing my daughter to an underage drunk driver, I wish more people would be like Tywla and call the police.
Submitted by tessa at 08:16 AM on March 8, 2013
Well....maybe she'll find a better job. Kudos to her and onions to her boss!

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