Can Servers Drink Alcohol at Work? Know Your Rights and Risks

As a server, you may be wondering if it’s legal to drink alcohol while working. While it may seem harmless to have a drink or two while on the job, there are legal and professional implications to consider.

The laws regarding alcohol consumption at work vary by state, and there are also potential consequences that employers and servers need to be aware of. Additionally, it’s important to consider the risks associated with drinking alcohol while on the job.

In this article, we’ll explore the legal and professional implications of servers drinking on the job, as well as the risks and alternatives to drinking. Read on to learn more about your rights and the best practices for employers in the food and beverage industry.

What the Law Says

When it comes to drinking on the job, there are several legal considerations that employers and employees should keep in mind. The first and perhaps most important is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines. OSHA states that employers are responsible for providing a workplace free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees. If an employee becomes intoxicated at work and is involved in an accident or causes injury to others, it can be considered a recognized hazard and put the employer at risk for legal liability.

Another important consideration is the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This law requires that employers pay their employees for all hours worked, including time spent drinking on the job. If an employer requires employees to attend a work-related social event where alcohol is served, for example, that time must be compensated. However, if an employee voluntarily chooses to drink during a work-related event that is not required by their employer, that time may not be compensable.

State laws also play a role in drinking on the job policies. Some states have strict laws that prohibit employees from drinking while on duty, while others have more relaxed regulations. It’s important for both employers and employees to be familiar with the laws in their state and to follow them closely.

Lastly, it’s important to note that drinking on the job policies can vary by industry. For example, servers in a restaurant may have different rules than those working in an office setting. It’s important to understand the policies and expectations of your specific workplace before making any decisions regarding drinking on the job.

State Laws Regarding Server Drinking

1. Alabama: It is illegal for servers to consume alcohol while working, even if they are off-duty. Violations may result in fines or suspension of the establishment’s liquor license.

2. California: Servers are allowed to drink alcohol while working, but they must not exceed the legal blood alcohol limit of 0.08%. Employers can be held liable for any accidents caused by an employee’s intoxication.

3. Florida: Servers are not allowed to drink alcohol while working. Employers can be fined and the establishment can lose its liquor license if servers are caught drinking on the job.

4. Texas: State laws do not prohibit servers from drinking alcohol while working. However, employers may have their own policies against it, and can terminate employees who violate those policies.

5. Washington: Servers are allowed to drink alcohol while working, but they must not exceed the legal blood alcohol limit of 0.08%. Employers can be held liable for any accidents caused by an employee’s intoxication.

It is important for servers and employers to be aware of the laws in their state regarding server drinking, as violations can result in fines, suspension or revocation of liquor licenses, or even legal liability in the case of accidents. It is also important for servers to be responsible and aware of their limits when it comes to drinking, and for employers to have policies in place to promote safe and responsible alcohol service.

Exceptions to Drinking Restrictions

In certain situations, servers may be allowed to consume alcohol on the job. These exceptions may vary by state and by employer, but common examples include:

• Training and Sampling: Servers may be permitted to taste-test alcoholic beverages in order to gain a better understanding of the product they are serving.
• Bartending: Bartenders, who are typically considered a separate job category from servers, may be allowed to consume alcohol on the job if it is part of their job duties.
• Private Events: If the restaurant is hosting a private event where alcohol is being served, servers may be permitted to consume alcohol in order to better serve the guests.

It’s important to note that even when exceptions apply, employers may still place restrictions on server drinking to maintain a safe and professional work environment.

Possible Legal Consequences

While laws differ across the country, the penalties for serving alcohol to an intoxicated person can be severe. In most states, it is illegal to serve alcohol to anyone who is visibly intoxicated. Consequences can include fines, suspension or revocation of a liquor license, and even imprisonment.

But what if the server is drinking on the job and becomes intoxicated themselves? The potential legal consequences are equally as severe. A server could face criminal charges for public intoxication, or even lose their job.

It’s important for servers to understand the potential legal consequences of drinking on the job. If a customer or fellow employee is injured as a result of the server’s actions, the server could be held liable for damages and face a lawsuit.

It’s always better to err on the side of caution and avoid drinking on the job. The potential legal consequences are simply not worth the risk.

Best Practices for Employers

Set Clear Policies – To avoid confusion, employers should create and clearly communicate policies on alcohol consumption while on the job. The policies should specify when and where drinking is allowed and prohibited, and any consequences for policy violations.

Provide Alcohol Server Training – Employers should invest in training for employees who serve alcohol. This training should cover safe and responsible serving practices, the effects of alcohol, how to identify intoxicated customers, and when to cut off alcohol service.

Offer Non-Alcoholic Alternatives – Employers can provide non-alcoholic drinks to servers during their shifts to prevent them from feeling left out. This can also promote a culture of safety and responsibility in the workplace.

Lead by Example – Employers should model appropriate behavior by refraining from drinking while on the job. This can set the tone for responsible behavior and create a safe and professional work environment for all employees.

Establishing Clear Policies

Train and educate employees about the laws, regulations, and policies regarding drinking at work. This can be done during onboarding or through regular training sessions.

Create a written policy outlining the expectations, restrictions, and consequences of drinking at work. This policy should be clear, concise, and easily accessible to all employees.

Consistently enforce the policy to avoid potential legal issues or employee misunderstandings. It’s important to treat all employees equally and not make exceptions or allow favoritism.

Encourage employees to report any incidents or concerns related to drinking at work. This can help prevent problems from escalating and provide an opportunity to address any issues before they become a larger problem.

Providing Alternative Beverages

Offering alternative non-alcoholic beverages is a great way to promote a responsible drinking culture in the workplace. Employers should consider stocking their workplace with a variety of non-alcoholic drinks, such as flavored waters, juices, and sodas, as well as hot drinks like coffee and tea.

Providing alternative beverages not only ensures that employees have a choice beyond alcohol, but it also helps to create a welcoming environment for non-drinkers or those who choose not to drink during work hours. Employers can also consider offering healthier options, like fresh fruits and vegetables, to promote a healthy and productive workforce.

Overall, providing alternative beverages is an easy and effective way for employers to create a safe and inclusive workplace environment, while still allowing employees to enjoy their breaks and social time.

Risks of Drinking at Work

Safety hazards: Servers who drink on the job are at a higher risk of causing accidents or injuries, which can put themselves, their co-workers, and customers in danger.

Legal consequences: In addition to the legal risks for employers, servers who drink on the job can face criminal charges if they cause harm to others or damage property while under the influence.

Damage to reputation: Servers who are visibly drunk or impaired can damage their employer’s reputation and lose the trust of customers. This can lead to a loss of business and a tarnished image in the community.

Impaired Judgment and Performance

Alcohol consumption can impair an individual’s judgment and performance. When employees drink at work, their ability to make sound decisions and carry out tasks effectively may be compromised. This can lead to mistakes, accidents, and injuries in the workplace.

Employees may also experience slower reaction times and have difficulty concentrating when under the influence of alcohol. This can negatively impact their ability to complete tasks in a timely and efficient manner, which can ultimately affect the company’s bottom line.

Furthermore, alcohol can cause aggressive behavior in some individuals, which can lead to workplace conflict and potentially even violence. Allowing drinking at work increases the likelihood of such incidents occurring.

Potential Liability for Employers

Employers who allow employees to drink at work may face legal consequences if those employees become intoxicated and cause harm to themselves or others. This is particularly true if the employer knew or should have known that the employee was intoxicated and did not take appropriate action to prevent harm.

In addition, if an employee drinks on the job and is involved in an accident or altercation, the employer may be held responsible for any damages or injuries that result. Employers may also face liability if they fail to take reasonable steps to prevent employees from drinking at work, such as failing to establish clear policies or provide alternative beverages.

To avoid potential liability, employers should take steps to prevent employees from drinking at work and enforce clear policies on workplace drinking. They should also provide training to managers and employees on the risks of drinking at work and the potential legal consequences for both the employee and the employer.

Alternatives to Drinking

Provide non-alcoholic options: Employers can provide a range of non-alcoholic beverages as an alternative to alcoholic drinks at company events. This can help ensure that employees who do not wish to drink alcohol still feel included in the social aspects of the event.

Offer fun activities: Employers can organize activities such as games, competitions, or team-building exercises to promote social interaction among employees. These activities can help to create a fun and engaging environment without the need for alcohol.

Encourage responsible behavior: Employers can promote responsible behavior by setting clear expectations for employees’ conduct at company events. This can include reminding employees of the company’s code of conduct, emphasizing the importance of professionalism, and encouraging employees to look out for each other’s well-being.

Mocktail Options for Servers

Offering non-alcoholic options is an easy and effective way to reduce drinking at work events. Servers can suggest mocktails made with juices, sodas, and other mixers to those who prefer not to drink or who have had enough alcohol already.

Some popular mocktails include a Virgin Mary made with tomato juice and spices, a Mojito Mocktail made with mint and lime juice, and a Sparkling Cider made with apple cider and sparkling water. Experimenting with new and creative mocktail recipes can also make drinking alternatives more appealing.

It is important for servers to treat non-alcoholic orders with the same level of respect and attention as alcoholic ones. This will help ensure that all guests feel valued and included in the event, regardless of their drinking preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions