Owners ponder limits on alcohol at parties

NEW YORK (AP) >> The alcohol will flow less freely, and sometimes not at all, at some small business parties this holiday season.

Owners concerned about sexual misconduct and the safety of staffers and guests are eliminating or limiting the open bar, making their events alcohol-free or switching from a traditional cocktail party to activities including games and contests. Human resources consultants and employment law attorneys say they’re fielding more questions about alcohol and parties than in the past following the string of high-profile sexual misconduct cases that began a year ago. They’re advising their small business clients to impose limits on how much people drink.

Ladan Davia decided there’d be no drinking at her company’s party this year after two incidents at last year’s gathering — a male staffer and then a female stafferwho were drunk groped other co-workers.

“I’m creating a safer environment for everyone,” says Davia, owner of Beeya, a job search website based in Irvine, California. “While I know it can be seen as ‘not fair’ for banning alcohol from our holiday party, I would respond saying it’s ‘not fair’ for anyone to feel uncomfortable especially in their place of work.”

Davia understands that alcohol becomes a form of entertainment at an office party, so she’s going to have substitutes for her 11 staffers and their guests: amagician, games and prizes.

HR consultant Rob Wilson has gotten many more calls than in the past from companies needing help with party policies. Even owners who haven’t had problems are asking about going alcohol-free or limiting everyone’s intake. Some owners ask whether they should have chaperones to ensure no one is overdrinking or trying to grope anyone.

“They’re much more cautious than I’ve ever seen,” says Wilson, president of Chicago-based Employco.

Owners’ questions come from their concerns about staffers’ well-being and the fact they’re legally liable if drunken employees or guests are in accidents of any kind, hurting themselves or others. The company is also liable if a staffer sexually harasses or verbally or physically abuses anyone.

There are ways to prevent problems, starting with banning or limiting alcohol. One way to put the brakes on drinking is to give staffers coupons or tickets for drinks. Another option is to serve only wine and beer.