Can an employee drink alcohol at work?
Verified 08 September 2026 - Public Service / (Prime Minister)
Alcohol consumption in the workplace is forbidden. However, the Labor Code provides for certain tolerances, particularly during meals. But to ensure the physical and mental health of its employees, the employer can limit or prohibit this consumption altogether. Employees who do not comply with these restrictions are subject to sanctions. We're taking stock of the regulations.
No, none alcoholic beverage is not allowed in the workplace.
There is, however, a exception for the following drinks, when taken during meals :
- Beer
- Cider
- Wine
- Perry.
Warning
The employer must allow employees to quench their thirst during work. This excludes alcoholic drinks.
Yes, the employer may restrict or prohibit the consumption of alcohol at work. This is the case if this consumption can carry hit to the security and to the physical and mental health workers.
The employer is responsible for the health and safety of its workers. As such, he must take all measures to prevent accidents.
It must then provide for these provisions in the rules and regulations whether the company is subject to that obligation.
Otherwise, a memo may also provide for these limitations.
The employer has an obligation to ensure safety and health of its employees.
Failure to comply with this obligation exposes him to civil and/or criminal sanctions.
A fine of €10,000 per employee concerned may be applied if this obligation is not complied with.
FYI
The employer is prohibited from allowing intoxicated persons to enter or stay at the workplace.
Yes, a blood alcohol test is possible.
He must have been planned in the rules and regulations or the memo.
It has to be done in the presence of a third party (member of the CSE: titleContent for example).
This control must be justified by the nature of work entrusted to the employee. If a potential intoxicated condition puts people or property at risk, then blood alcohol testing is warranted.
In addition, this blood alcohol test must be able to be disputed by the employee. He can ask for a counter-expertise, that is to say that a new test is carried out.
In general, the employee must comply with safety instructions. If it does not comply with the rules and regulations or memorandum, it may be disciplined. This penalty can go as far as dismissal for gross misconduct.
Warning
In the event of an alcohol-related accident at work, the employee may not be compensated by the CPAM: titleContent.
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The informants who answer you belong to the ministry responsible for labor.
Restrictions of freedom
General health and safety obligation
Penalties incurred by the employer
Collective agreement and alcohol at work
Alcohol consumption in the workplace
Prohibition of drunkenness in the workplace
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