Should drink be banned at work events?

Following reports that a partner in a prominent British law firm had been banned from drinking at work events after allegations of inappropriate behaviour, Lunchtime Live discussed whether it’s ever a good idea to drink with colleagues.

Journalist Ian O’Doherty said he believes only the “fragile” should be unable to cope.

“If you can’t handle your drink when you go out, don’t drink but don’t try and ban it for the rest of us,” he said.

“I’m not a big fan of corporate sponsored fun; I’m not a big fan of Christmas parties… I haven’t gone to a Christmas party in years because I don’t like being handed vouchers and being told, ‘Now you can have two pints and fun - but be careful’ while there’s someone from HR stalking the floor like a teacher at a teenage disco.

“On the other hand, I would be a big supporter of having after work drinks with your colleagues.”

A hand holds a pint of Guinness in the air. Image: Brendan Donnelly / Alamy

On the other side, Bauer Media journalist Pádraig Wilson McCarthy said he had “fallen victim” himself to drinking after work with colleagues.

“You can get carried away at work events and then you have to go into work the next day and face the consequences,” he said.

“The fear - it’s not worth it, it’s simply not worth it.”

Mr Wilson McCarthy said it had “happened a few times” and the day after felt like “one of the longest days” you could ever experience.

“You spend all your day at work and then you’re expected to go out for drinks after work,” he said.

“Respectfully, I spend all my day with these people and I love my colleagues - they’re all great - but at the same time, I like to have a few hours on my own in the afternoon.”

Mr Wilson McCarthy conceded that you do often get to know people better after a drink and cautioned people to be “very careful”.

“It’s a slippery slope,” he said.

Main image: Pints. Picture by: Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie