In the '80s and into the early '90s, ordering a drink at lunch was still socially acceptable; however, not long after that everyone seemed to sober up - or at least the lawyers and HR folks dealing with workplace issues as a result of one too many martinis did. 

A recent Business Week article has brought the boozing at lunch subject back into focus.

"Hard liquor has been gone since the '80s, with the last so-called-stock-market crash," says Julian Niccolini, co-owner of Manhattan's Four Seasons restaurant.  However, Niccolini claims he now pours a lot of wine at lunch, particularly to parties of four or more.  One reason for this, he attests, is that he's seeing fewer judgmental teetotaling diners at lunch.  "It's no longer, 'Is somebody going to badmouth me?' That's gone out the window," he says."

"Given the right signal, in fact, restauranteurs claim most lunch companions seem willing to join in.  General Manager Christopher Hennessy says he's never seen ordering a drink socially misfire, even in health-conscious Hollywood.  "It'll take one person to make that first tentative order," he says.  "Then everyone realizes they're all at lunch for the same reason."

Most of the "reasons" to imbibe at lunch center around a deal, big sale or to ease the tension of a negotiation.  I get the rationale and as long as people don't get stupid, I'm not sure it is HR's job to police whether John had a glass of wine with a potential client at lunch.

I attended/presented at HR Southwest this week in Ft. Worth, and took the opportunity to ask a few of the HR pros floating around about their experience with and/or opinion of employees drinking at lunch. Ironically, when I checked in at the conference one of the first things pointed out to me was where to find my drink tickets.  Mind you, I'm 5 weeks away from having a baby, so kind of obvious I may not be partaking in a lot of drinking at the conference this year.

So - what did I hear when asked, "Do you remember when people used to have a drink at lunch and then return to work?  Do you believe it is still happening?  How would you address an employee who had been drinking at lunch?"

Those who'd been around a while agreed that drinking at lunch was no biggie in the '70s, '80s and even into the '90s.  Most then laughed at the thought of doing it today as they'd personally want to take a nap after a few drinks at lunch.  In terms of how to address it, most thought they'd likely never know about it (which was fine with them).  The "less tenured" crowd seemed to either A) shy away from answering the questions or B) get really excited that drinking may be coming back into vogue!

Personally, I think it goes back to treating employees like adults and trusting them to not put themselves, others, or the company's reputation in jeopardy.  If someone does screw up - deal with it like any other behavioral issue.  And - does it matter if the drinking happens "at lunch" with clients or co-workers vs. "at dinner" with clients and co-workers?!!

I'm sure some will disagree.  Just wonder if it will be any of the folks at HR Southwest on the company's dime, drinking away with fellow HR pros at the networking events and hosted parties?  Hmmm... 

Editors Note- Kathy Rapp is the Managing Director of hrQ in Texas, where she helps progressive companies find groovy HR Talent to drive business results.  Prior to joining hrQ, Kathy booked more than 15 years of human resources leadership experience working for such companies as Morgan Stanley and First Data Corporation.  A connoisseur of the intersection between pop culture and business, Kathy believes many talent issues can be addressed via the succession planning lessons experienced by Van Halen (David Lee/Sammy and sadly, Gary Cherone).