Christopher V. Flett

Q: I tend to overdue it on the adult beverages when someone else is picking up the bill. At my work, we entertain regularly and I’ve been noticing people looking at me when I’m ordering a 3rd of 4th cocktail at a work dinner. What’s the right amount of alcohol to drink during a work function and I should add, I have a high tolerance for alcohol.  Tessa R. (San Francisco, CA)

Hi Tessa,

Thanks for your question. I’ve always had a rule that if you are under 200 pounds, you have 2 drinks maximum at a work function; over 200 pounds, you can have 3. What is more important here is how you are being perceived. Professionals mistake a work event with alcohol as it being a social event. It may be called a ‘mixer’ or ‘entertaining clients’, but it is a work function. These people aren’t your friends or your pub mates. They are colleagues/clients. The reason they are looking out the corner of their eye at you is they can’t believe that you are leading the charge on drinks. No one comments on how little someone drinks at a business function, but they do comment on how much someone drinks. Don’t be that person. The drinks might be free, but they come at a cost. Trust me. Check it to 2 at the event and then if the spirit drives you, keep going at your local tavern or at home AFTER work is done.