Alcohol and company vehicles.

[kwired]

While I like to drink and am no stranger to bars, I would NEVER consider doing it while on the job or while driving a company truck. The last small EC I worked for had most of the local bars as customers so it wouldn't look out of place to see the truck there. That's not the issue.

Think of the risk vs. the reward.

Risk:

My job
His truck
His business, therefore
His job

Reward:

Beer

There is no beer that good, and I have had some really great beer!

Sadly there are many that don't think before they do most anything. It is a little understandable as there is too much pressure from today's society and any relief from those pressures is hard to resist, even if you understand there is going to be a price for it later.

 

[hurk27]

Sadly there are many that don't think before they do most anything. It is a little understandable as there is too much pressure from today's society and any relief from those pressures is hard to resist, even if you understand there is going to be a price for it later.

I think the biggest problem that many get into is the thinking that "It wont happen to me" thinking, the old saying of 10 feet tall and bullet proof is just that. the first sense that goes out the door when we drink is good judgment, second I think is our hearing (ever wonder why we crank the radio so loud when we are drinking?)

 

[renosteinke]

Are we wrong to assume alcohol is involved? Or that "bad publicity" must follow?

Writing from a Reno, Nv., perspective ....
Bars are for more than just getting drunk. Here in Reno, one in particular had a reputation for having darn good fried chicken, and folks often socialized there without drinking anything stronger than cola. This, btw, was a true "bar" and had NO tables- just the counter.

Likewise, especially on payday, many folks will go to the place of their choice and play a modest amount (say, $20) in the video poker machine. They'll play as long as they can, chat up their friends, drink the free beverages (again, they might not contain alcohol), and then go home.

Finally, I often see crews from the larger employers to use a local watering hole as a place to meet up and co-ordinate activities. OK, so these are usually utility crews .... but the PoCo doesn't seem to have a public relations problem with this.

In closing, I really object to a mentality that starts off from the premise that something wrong is happening, then expects a case for innocence to be made. That's not what we're all about. Even 'having a drink' is NOT 'drinking and driving.' Not even close. For all the nanny-state drivel over "drunk driving," somehow millions of folks manage to remain sober. "Demon Rum" is propaganda put out by the "religious" competition.

Posted by a non-drinker. By choice- without any moral baggage.

 

[HackElectric]

Reno, no matter how much it bothers you, you can't escape the fact that the normal person will make assumptions. If they see company vehicles outside of a bar all the time, they will assume that the workers are drinking.

That may be "wrong" of them to assume, but it's still what happens.

So a business owner would be smart to do whatever it takes to keep his company from looking bad, even if it goes against his beliefs.

 

[petersonra]

There is no amount of alcohol consumed on company time or while driving company vehicles that is appropriate.

I am not all that worried by someone stopping for lunch at a place that serves alcohol, even if he/she is driving a company vehicle.

I would be concerned at seeing company vehicles congregating at bars after normal working hours. It just does not "look" right to the outside world. If that does not bother the owner any, than he can make that choice for his company. However, anyone driving by a bar (even one that has good food) that sees company vehicles there on a regular basis is going to (quite fairly) assume someone is drinking and then going to get in a company vehicle and drive off.

 

[iwire]

There is no amount of alcohol consumed on company time or while driving company vehicles that is appropriate.

I am not all that worried by someone stopping for lunch at a place that serves alcohol, even if he/she is driving a company vehicle.

I would be concerned at seeing company vehicles congregating at bars after normal working hours. It just does not "look" right to the outside world. If that does not bother the owner any, than he can make that choice for his company. However, anyone driving by a bar (even one that has good food) that sees company vehicles there on a regular basis is going to (quite fairly) assume someone is drinking and then going to get in a company vehicle and drive off.

I agree completely with Bob P here.

 

[growler]

I agree completely with Bob P here.

And I agree with Bob B for agreeing with Bob P.


Not only that but I'm taking the mini bar out of the van.


Folks I gave up drinking a few years ago after I learned ( not the hard way ) that there is no legal limit for drinking if you are involved in an accident where someone is injured or killed. It's really up to the courts and if they can prove that alcohol played any part in the accident. It's not safe to even drink one beer and drive. You won't get caught for DUI for one beer but you can go to jail if someone is killed ( met someone that this happened to and it changed my life).

Buy the way the person that got his butt in a sling over one beer was an elctrician and an old time contractor, he come close to losing a life's work over a beer.

 

[renosteinke]

Reno, no matter how much it bothers you, you can't escape the fact that the normal person will make assumptions.

I only have one head. I only do my thinking. I'm not about to try to do other folks' thinking for them

 

[mwm1752]

I have a question......... or two. Have you lost your mind? Are you looking to have you butt sued off?
Some think that drinking a beer or two and driving is no big deal. Let him get into a wreck. Then when he says the boss bought the beer and we were drinking at the shop the skies have just opened up for the liability.
As far as the van at a bar, you have set the example. The employee thinks now since you have no problem sitting around the shop drinking you should not have a problem with him stopping off at the local bar.
You need to rethink the drinking and driving policy.............. now.

Have to agree -- You want to have a beer or two is a personal choice & the employee should have his own transportation home is a personal choice -- neither is recommended -- business & personal choices are a separate matter as you control the business choices -- Just advising for your own good, make the change immediately

I know I would lose my job drinking & driving a goverment vehicle

 

[Mr. Spinosa]

No Way, if possible.

No Way, if possible.

What are your company policy on drinking and driving in a company vehicle. After work hours have ended. I have two employes and one has a service van. Our shop is a garage behind the house. There are days when we stop back here to unload at the end of the day and have a couple beers when done. It's nice to sit down with everybody and talk. Am I wrong in letting my employee drive then
Today I saw my van after work at the local tavern. I did not like it. It is lettered and maybe I am over reacting but I do not think it is good advertising.

I would probably have to stick to my guns on this one. - No one is allowed to bring one of my vehicles to any bar, or drinking establishment. In today's day and age it's too easy to get sued. You could be sued for negligence. Your driver should be required to sign and date a document listing company policy regarding use of the truck. For me, immediate termination, would be listed on the document as a recourse if the truck is found anywhere other than on a job site or a specific job related place of business. (i.e. parts house).... Spell it out for them, clearly, and blame it on the insurance company. You are not trying to be a bad guy, but you have to protect yourself as best as you can.