What does the cryptic crossword clue "Poor waiter, beset by official over strong drink (9)" mean?

The definition is "strong drink". The wordplay uses an anagram. anagram of IREWAT (synonym="IREWAT") + FER (synonym="FER") = FIREWATER; definition: "strong drink" The answer is FIREWATER.

Poor waiter, beset by official over strong drink (9)

Guardian Cryptic #29139 | 21 Across | 2023-08-03 flower

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