If you chip or break the lip of a bottle when opening it, what should you do?

When a bottle's lip is chipped or broken upon opening, it poses a safety risk as well as a potential quality issue for the beverage inside. The most appropriate response is to discard the broken bottle and offer a new one to the customer. This not only ensures the safety of the customer but also maintains the quality and integrity of the service being provided. Apologizing is a courteous acknowledgment of the situation, which helps to maintain a positive atmosphere despite the mishap.

Keeping the broken bottle on the table would be unsafe and unprofessional, as it could lead to cuts or injuries. Attempting to reseal the bottle would be impractical and could compromise the beverage's quality and safety. While informing the manager of the incident can be a responsible step, it does not address the immediate concern of ensuring the customer has a safe and enjoyable drinking experience. Therefore, addressing the situation directly by discarding the broken bottle and replacing it is the best course of action.