Alcohol at work: what rules to follow?

Verified 26 November 2021 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

The consumption of certain types of alcohol may be authorized by the employer.

For example, at a company restaurant or on a special occasion (starting pot, holiday party,...).

The alcohols are:

  • Wine
  • Beer
  • Cider
  • Perry

No other alcohol may be authorized.

The employer may also limit or prohibit, for the safety of his employees, all alcohol consumption at the workplace in the rules and regulations of the company or by memo. Those measures, designed to limit the risk of accidents, must be proportionate to the aim pursued.

It is forbidden to allow drunken persons to enter or stay in the workplace.

A fine of €10,000 per employee concerned may be applied if these rules are not complied with.

Please note

the liability of the employer, but also of the employees, may be incurred in the event of an accident caused by a drunk employee.