Which one of the following actions is permissible in a hospital that has tax-free alcohol?

In a hospital that has tax-free alcohol, dispensing to inpatients in the form of a tonic is permissible because it aligns with specific regulations regarding the use of alcohol in a clinical setting. Alcoholic tonics can serve medicinal purposes, such as providing caloric intake, enhancing appetite, or serving as part of therapeutic regimens in certain cases.

Hospitals typically have protocols governing the use of controlled substances, and alcohol is often regulated similarly. Administering it to inpatients allows for healthcare professionals to monitor the use and any potential effects on health, ensuring that it is used strictly for therapeutic purposes. This practice is in accordance with the hospital's healthcare mandate and is aimed at benefiting the patient's health rather than for recreational use.

The other options may not align with regulatory requirements, as dispensing for off-site use or distributing to staff for personal use can lead to misuse or abuse of the substance, which is why they are generally not permitted in a hospital setting. Additionally, dispensing to outpatients only may not have the same therapeutic justification and could raise legal or ethical concerns regarding the use of medical resources. Thus, the correct action acknowledged complies with both medical guidelines and regulatory frameworks that govern the use of alcohol in healthcare institutions.