Nov
24
A Risky Cocktail: Alcohol and an Employee Party
Tradition dictates year-end celebration and resolution. For an office’s annual party, should such a “celebration” include alcohol? If management’s answer is “yes,” then common sense ought to be applied to maximize the safety and well-being of all attending as well as the public. For example:
- Hold the event at a restaurant or other outside facility licensed to serve alcohol;
- Have a “no-host” bar with employees to buy their own alcohol (and with plentiful non-alcoholic drinks provided for free);
- If it’s to be an “open” bar, provide participants with a limited number of “drink tickets,” requiring them to purchase their own past that limit:
- Ensure a professional bartender is handling the purchases and distribution and has definite instructions on limiting service to the attendees;
- Serve food of course, thus avoiding the added intoxicating effect of an empty stomach;
- Serve food low in salt, avoiding the additional thirst potentially created;
- Hold the event within walking distance of the office and make arrangements for safe transportation home for anyone who needs it;
- Include a statement on the party invitation and/or circulate a written reminder to all concerned on the responsibilities to drink only in moderation and to avoid driving after imbibing; and
- Emphasize to management they are the example-setters at the event.
Another option would be to just not serve or provide the opportunity for alcohol at all while holding the event over a lunch time and with work to follow.
If you have any questions on employer liability in such circumstances, or on any other labor and employment matter, please contact us.
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We no longer serve or allow alcohol at office parties. We made the decision after one of our employees would get intoxicated at our parties and make a fool of herself. After she left our office, we put the new policy in effect immediately. Life is easier now.
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