Table of Contents
- 1 Can you talk about alcohol at work?
- 2 Can you ask employees if they drink?
- 3 How do you deal with drunk people at work?
- 4 Can you fire someone with a drinking problem?
- 5 Are office holiday parties with improper use of alcohol a liability?
- 6 Should employees be allowed to drink at business events?
- 7 Is liquor liability covered by a holiday business insurance policy?
Can you talk about alcohol at work?
Emphasize Your Company Culture Include alcohol usage guidance in your company code of conduct. For instance, it should never be okay for employees and applicants to drink alcohol during a job interview. Drinking at lunch job interviews should also be discouraged.
Can you ask employees if they drink?
If the person’s alcohol use has to do with essential job functions or other legitimate business concerns, then in fact, the employer may be allowed to ask those questions without running afoul of the ADA.
How do you drink at a work party?
If you plan to serve alcohol, here are some ideas.
- Nix the open bar and instead have a drink ticket policy.
- Serve drinks with lower alcohol content (beer/wine—not shots)
- Use professional bartenders who know when to cut someone off and won’t serve underage employees.
- Close the bar early.
- Serve plenty of food.
How do you deal with drunk people at work?
Remain calm and nonjudgmental. Don’t make accusations, but mention the employee’s unusual behavior. If you suspect the employee is currently under the influence, now is not the time to address any associated performance issues. Instead, emphasize your concern for the employee’s well-being.
Can you fire someone with a drinking problem?
The Americans with Disabilities Act So as an employer that means you can’t fire someone just because they have a drinking problem. However, you can fire an employee who is unable to do his or her job properly because of extreme and/or chronic drinking.
How many drinks should you have at a work party?
Many employees follow the rule of two glasses of wine or two beers over an evening, and this generally works for employee safety and sobriety.
Are office holiday parties with improper use of alcohol a liability?
The United States Department of Labor states that holding an office holiday party with improper use of alcohol can make employers vulnerable to liability under tort, workers’ compensation, or other laws.
Should employees be allowed to drink at business events?
You need to minimize the legal liability of your organization yet not let legal worries dictate your relationship with your employees. A holiday party is not the only event where an employee may face the question of deciding whether to drink or not at business events; employers plan all sorts of events that serve alcohol.
Are office parties a liability for your business?
It is the holiday season, a time for office parties and charity events. While gatherings can provide opportunities for professionals to mingle casually with their co-workers and clients and can help boost employee morale, they can also prove to be a liability for businesses that serve alcohol.
Is liquor liability covered by a holiday business insurance policy?
When business owners host a holiday party and serve alcohol as part of the festivities, liquor liability can be covered by their commercial general liability (CGL) policy.