Drinking in the workplace???

[Hedy]

Timely thread. We were just reminded we cannot bring beer in as an option with our St. Patrick's Day food.

 

[Aidensmom]

On the day of our Christmas party, which is in the office during normal hours, our director has given everyone a bottle of wine, and some of it is consumed by some people at that time. We have also had some team-building type outings (ranging from laser-tag to happy hours) during the work day (though we don't return to work afterwards) where alcohol is supplied. Our formal written policy, however, is that there is no alcohol, even if it is unopened, allowed on company property. We actually even have a stockroom full of alcohol that is used for "hospitality suites" for our customers, potential customers, and staff at user groups and conferences.

The last place I worked, however, a high ranking manager was fired for bringing a six pack to split with a few other staff people that helped to some furniture moving, etc after hours because alcohol was forbidden on company property.

 

[cardaway]

In case it wasn't clear I want to add that I wasn't talking about after work. I've seen many people go out and close bars down on the company dime.

 

[rockbottomsound]

Doesn't everybody?

 

[U2_rocks!]

I guess the times I posted about that alcohol was served, working hours were done for the day. The only time I've drank during official office hours is when I passed the Canadian accounting exams (equiv. of CPA) - champagne was popped in the lunch room and people drank. This was when I was working at Price Waterhouse. I've also had an occasional glass of wine with a business lunch when others ordered alcohol, and I went back to work afterwards. One glass of wine with a meal doesn't affect me in the slightest.

 

[Sonya]

We had had someone fired for keeping a little "something" in a flask in his desk. Not a teacher but someone who dealt with the kids.

 

[Cantw8]

Cardaway, are you in Pa??? They did a story on this on WMMR this morning I was amazed at the callers that phoned in saying they drink on the job...roofers???? YIKES!!!!!! Me, I save it for the weekends

 

[froglady]

I can remember being surprised (in 1972) when some other jurors ordered drinks during lunch. Um, no, I never drink during the day. (But, once I'm at home and in for the night. )

 

[ilovejack02]

I don't know. I used to work in a small law office (three attorneys), and they kept alcohol in the fridge and would often drink while on the job. I don't drink alcohol so it was a bit of a shock for me. I should have been tipped off in the interview when they asked how I felt about "drinkin' and cussin'."

Im all about "drinkin and cussin", are they hiring ??

 

[gypsydoodlebug]

I work for a food magazine and we frequently have open bottles of wine around to "taste" during photo shoots. Best. Job. Ever.

 

[Kimberly]

My father is an attorney with a small office, and when I've visited a few times, I've noticed they've had beer in the fridge. They're all good friends, so I guess it makes sense for them to celebrate after a case.

 

[vetrik]

I have to agree with it being common in the law offices where I've worked (3 so far). They all have had at least some beer/champagne in the fridge.

My last job was very into drinking in the office - they had several kinds of alcohol, and one summer they even appointed one guy "bartender" and brought in a blender. We would have frozen drinks after lunch every Friday. They would also buy alcohol to drink at work after lunch on days when we were going out after work, like Christmas parties, etc (the career equivalent of pre-gaming?). We would have going away breakfasts with mimosas when someone was leaving the company. I'd never seen anything like it, and to be honest it made me a little uncomfortable sometimes - having frozen drinks while still sitting at your desk and trying to work is not necessarily my idea of a good time. All of my friends were jealous of my job though!

 

[sugarpie]

I have to agree with it being common in the law offices where I've worked (3 so far). They all have had at least some beer/champagne in the fridge.

My last job was very into drinking in the office - they had several kinds of alcohol, and one summer they even appointed one guy "bartender" and brought in a blender. We would have frozen drinks after lunch every Friday. They would also buy alcohol to drink at work after lunch on days when we were going out after work, like Christmas parties, etc (the career equivalent of pre-gaming?). We would have going away breakfasts with mimosas when someone was leaving the company. I'd never seen anything like it, and to be honest it made me a little uncomfortable sometimes - having frozen drinks while still sitting at your desk and trying to work is not necessarily my idea of a good time. All of my friends were jealous of my job though!

Where do I send my resume?

 

[vetrik]

Shockingly - the company is not doing very well!

I have a new job now because they were about to start laying people off. I guess now we know what comes of too much drinking in the office!

 

[Honu]

The last law firm I worked for had a climate controlled wine room with thousands of bottles in it. As others have said, drinking is common place in law firms.

 

[SandraVB79]

At my previous company, you could drink wine during lunch in the restaurant. At the bank where my dad works, you get free lunch, and they serve tap water or beer with it.
So yes, I guess over here, it's normal to have a drink at the workplace. But getting drunk is NOT accepted!

 

[Andy B]

In the CIty of London it is still common for Working Lunches, a lot of contacts are made or maintained over drinks at Lunch. Actually drinking on office premises is not common but does happen for special occasions, ie christmas, retirements etc.