Charity says office Christmas parties should be scrapped

Research carried out by charity 
Alcohol Focus Scotland concluded staff get-togethers over the festive period can be both dangerous and 
embarrassing – and it has had support from Alcohol Concern and the British Liver Trust.

Alison Douglas, chief executive of AFS, instead believes staff members should take trips to places such as the theatre, a panto or a bowling alley.

She said: ‘The impact of alcohol in the workplace can range from sickness absence and hangovers to accidents and injuries and lost productivity.

‘Many workplaces decide to do different things to the traditional Christmas night out, choosing to go bowling or to a panto so drinking is not the focus.’

However, Dave Roberts, of the Alcohol Information Partnership, believes office parties must remain.

He said ‘The traditional workplace Christmas bash is often an event when one or two drinks can help lubricate the atmosphere, and enable the chap from accounts to chat with a colleague from the second floor.’