It would explain a lot…….

Before I worked with my DH on our family business my previous job involved directing traffic. I can’t imagine the chaos not to mention traffic accidents I could have caused if I had a drink at lunchtime.

Groups of us used to go to the nearby pub for lunch 3 or 4 times a week, depending on what was happening at work. Most people had either a pint of beer or glass of wine.

That stopped when the company brought in a strict no alcohol/no drugs policy - it had always been no alcohol for machine operators and drivers, but to make it fairer it became no alcohol for all. Including random testing.

Allsorts

At Christmas, with colleagues you have worked with all year, most companies have a toast of something, doesn’t have to be alcohol. So Espree, when work breaks up for Christmas, it’s not unusual to have a drink and mince pie. A drink doesn’t get you drunk, most people manage with one, if not there’s the pub over the road. I never drank, didn’t like it, but most people gathered.

It is not just the alcohol during working hours Allsorts it is the “gathering” against the rules which the hoi polloi are instructed to abide by, rules decided on by the very people who have apparently been repeatedly ignoring them during the pandemic.

And what about doctors, they must need a good drink to cope with the stresses they are under, especially while dealing with patients.

Thank you for your contributions Carrie Johnson and v interested to see your positive comments re teaching staff being supplied with rum rations to ease stress during such testing times

My experience when living in France was that French businessmen, politicians and even medical staff invariably have a glass or two during their long lunches. Even builders and machine operators.
When I worked in Australia a beer or two over lunch was the norm.
Sometimes a glass of wine or a beer can help loosen inhibitions and improve team work.

If people need to drink at any time there’s a problem, but where does it mention them being ‘rat-arsed’?

At Christmas, with colleagues you have worked with all year, most companies have a toast of something, doesn’t have to be alcohol. So Espree, when work breaks up for Christmas, it’s not unusual to have a drink and mince pie. A drink doesn’t get you drunk, most people manage with one, if not there’s the pub over the road. I never drank, didn’t like it, but most people gathered.

If people need to drink during working hours, then I suggest that they have a problem.

Yes I did Espee. Lunches, events where a glass of wine was available. It didn't make me incapable of doing my job, which required extreme attention to detail on multi-million pound deals.

I agree Meryl.

M0nica

I do not think that was said, just that some people had a drink now and again. Lots of us do that but it doesn't leave us rat-arsed.

Do you/did you drink during working hours?

what do you think
I think that statement is a load of twaddle. That’s the polite way of putting it.

I do not think that was said, just that some people had a drink now and again. Lots of us do that but it doesn't leave us rat-arsed.