Booze ban | Think tank urges employers to give up drinking socials, but corporate cold turkey isn't the answer

Whether it’s the classic office work party or after work pub drinks on a Thursday or Friday, drinking alcohol has been a long-standing aspect of work culture in the UK.

Yet in recent years, the government, and various government bodies, have warned against the negative consequences of drinking in a work environment with colleagues.

The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) towards the end of last year warned businesses of the dangers of creating environments where inappropriate behaviours can flourish, particularly after the numerous sexual assault allegations that arose over the year.

Best known, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) faced a barrage of allegations, particularly from female staff members, about inappropriate behaviour, and in many cases sexual assault, that took place at staff parties.