Should you serve alcohol at an event when there is an alcoholic present?

Being concerned that an alcoholic would probably home in on alcohol like iron filings to a magnet, I would feel inclined to stock up with non alcoholic beverages, that can almost pass as alcoholic.
If anyone is SO desperate for alcohol, they may well fall into the same class, and you would be doing both a kindness!
Since, I like a drink, now and then, but no alcohol is not a deal breaker, so maybe am over biased.

Thanks for the responses- agree the person would not want to change a whole event just for them. It’s been a big step to admit there is a problem and “come out” and seek help. Yes supplying a variety of interesting non alcoholic drinks as well as alcoholic fizz is possibly the answer as well as talking openly about it, so no one starts offering drinks to them or asks why they aren’t drinking . I guess it’s a matter of building up strategies to deal with these situations. It’s hard to know when someone reaches out for support what to do for the best.

Actually I’m not all that keen on the taste of alcohol either? I think beer is totally repulsive???

I’m a cheap date though?

Peasblossom

The problem with non-alcoholic drinks is that they all seem to be so sweet. I usually end up having water. A nice jug of water with lemon slices would be appreciated ?

I agree that so many non alcoholic drinks provided are sweet and frankly, more suited to a children's birthday party than an adult celebration, but shops now sell all sorts of lovely, non sweet, non childish, alcohol free versions of most drinks. Most of the large brewers and distillers make them, Gordon's have a nice 0% gin, there are dozens of no alcohol beers and wines. For my late DM's 80th birthday we had champagne and sparkling elderflower 'champagne' , served in identical glasses, and both celebratory, nobody left out.

The problem with non-alcoholic drinks is that they all seem to be so sweet. I usually end up having water. A nice jug of water with lemon slices would be appreciated ?

Sorry Hetty but I would find that unbearable, not the lack of alcohol but the idea that someone was responsible for me.

I agree with those who say you should serve a variety of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks vegansrock there will be people who are driving and those who just don't like alcohol so this will suit everyone. I think GillT has a good point about serving interesting non alcoholic drinks.

I would serve alcohol but with decent non alcoholic alternatives, not fruit punch! There are lots of lovely alcohol free versions of wine, beer, gin, prosecco etc., and thankfully, as I am often the designated driver, I no longer am faced with orange juice or some fizzy drink suitable for small children! Sparkling elderflower is a lovely option when having a toast. Congratulations to your friend who has been open about their dependency, brave and the first major step.

It's the responsibility of the individual not to drink if they're going to drive or if they have a problem with alcohol.

We live in a very strange society - where alcohol is somehow 'expected' at events - yet so many people will drive home. It's time for a change, don't you think?

Our family celebrations just don't involve alcohol at all. There are plenty of non-alcoholic drinks for the 'glass of fizz or two'. We have no alcoholics, but don't encourage drinking on principle. We have a responsibility to make sure that guests are safe, not tempted to drink and drive.

I am a recovering alcoholic with more than 30 years sobriety and I would say serve alcohol but as others have said with plenty of alternatives. I have always said that if I want to drink nobody will stop me and if I don’t want to nobody will make me

I’d have plenty of choices, alcoholic and soft drinks. Most of our friends, as they have got older, don’t drink much anyway.

I supported a friend whose husband was an alcoholic.

Two things have stuck with me.

The first is that if he is likely to drink alcohol he will already have a hidden supply with him.

The second is, that if other people feel an event will be spoiled because there is no alcohol, they already need to seriously question their own relationship to drink.

Why not ask them? The simplest way to deal with situations like this.

I agree with having alcohol alternatives available there may well be people who have driven to the event and wont be able to drink either.

It must be very difficult knowing that because you're an alcoholic you can never drink alcohol again, but that is something a recovering alcoholic is going to have to address on a regular basis.

Yes, but there should be a range of non alcoholic alternatives, plenty of beers, wines even spirits are available then they can socialize normally.
Warning, lots of others like non alcoholic drinks, so get plenty, I only ever have one alcoholic drink then head for whatever looks nice

I would have alcohol and non-alcoholic alternatives (nossecco, alcohol free wine and beer)along with various jugs of iced water with slices of cucumber, orange, lemon & lime.

I have a friend who has been sober for nine years, they have never expected the rest of us or their family to join them in abstinence.

I'd give everyone a good choice of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. I'm not an alcoholic, neither is DH, but many alcoholic drinks no longer suit our digestive systems, unfortunately. You might find that there are others in your family who would prefer something different for one reason or another.

I'd buy them an alcohol free alternative.

If the alcoholic is a close family member, I would make the event alcohol free.

If not a close family member, I would consider how recent their recovery is and if it is very recent, make the event alcohol free.

I've had two alcoholics in my family. If there is a relapse related to the event, it could be catastrophic for all those attending. Why take the risk?

I'm with HI954. Alcohol isn't essential for fun. Kids manage without it just fine so adults should be able to, as well. It's a one off situation.

I agree with those sentiments.
An alcoholic and I have experience of living with one, cannot expect that everywhere he/ she goes, will be alcohol free, it isn’t going to happen much as I feel very sad for them.

It's a major step for the alcoholic to acknowledge their personal situation and even more so to ask for family support. Personally, I have always held the opinion that 'I don't need a drink to have a good time'.
If I were hosting this event I would not serve alcohol at all, there are so many alcohol free options available now and a lovely homemade posh fruit punch might make a nice alternative.
Why would the occasion be spoilt by the absence of alcohol?
I wish the recovering alcoholic well and hope the event is a success.

Vegansrock it’s all down to the alcoholics recovery to refuse a drink if there’s alcohol around, at least that’s what I learned when working in an alcohol rehab unit best wishes

We've experienced this. Alcohol served as normal. The person concerned was horrified that it might become a non alcoholic event because of him.

As an alcoholic in recovery I have absolutely no problem with alcohol being served but I never have and now have 20 years sobriety
If this person is very new into recovery they may find it hard but they have a choice on attending. They have to adopt coping strategies for themselves ie leaving if they become uncomfortable