Boozing it up on the lunch hour

By Amanda Kramer

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Q. What should human resources managers and employees know about drinking alcoholic beverages during lunch or dinner business meetings? Could it be that the days of enjoying a glass of wine or two over a business lunch are gone?

A. Not exactly, say several Capital Region observers. But imbibing in the afternoon isn't exactly what it used to be.

"I haven't really seen people doing what they used to when it was called the 'martini lunch,' " explained Lisa Loup, the banquet coordinator for the Madison Club.

Loup, who's in charge of organizing both small and large banquets or meetings at the restaurant, said she often sees coffee, tea and soda -- lots of soda, in fact -- gulped down over the noon hour. However, she said, "what I have noticed more in the restaurant area is that it seems to be acceptable (to drink alcohol) on a Friday."

Amy Bruchs, a partner in employment and labor law for Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, said whether or not it's appropriate to drink at a business lunch isn't so much a legal question as it is a question of what's allowed by an employer's policies -- and plain old common sense.

"Of course, if one is driving a motor vehicle from the lunch, one must not drink so as to exceed the legal blood alcohol content level," Bruchs said. "Many employers have either written or unwritten policies as to whether, and in what circumstances, drinking during working hours is acceptable.

"Some employers prohibit drinking in all circumstances," she continued. "Other employers allow drinking in socially acceptable settings, such as business cocktail parties or certain lunches. But almost all prohibit or at least frown upon drinking to excess."

Nina McGuffin, a business coach from Madison who owns Nina McGuffin LLC, said she is meeting more clients for coffee and tea rather than lunch.

"It's easier on the budget and in many ways more enjoyable than lunch," McGuffin said. "You can focus on the client rather than worrying about what you're going to eat. And I'm no expert on this, but I believe coffee and tea has also replaced after-work drinks as most of my clients put a premium on family and personal time."

In the end, said Loup, it really depends on who you're meeting with and when you're meeting.

"I know if I went out for lunch with my boss, I'd wait 'til he ordered a drink first," Loup said.


Amanda Kramer is a freelance writer who will find experts to answer your workplace-related question.

kramer.news@gmail.com

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