Alcohol and corporate seminars: the rules

Organizing a corporate seminar in Burgundy in Beaune has many advantages in terms of location, accommodation and also activities. If wine culture is at the very heart of the Côte d'Or region, it is important to know the legislation regarding alcohol consumption during a seminar. In France, the regulations on alcohol at work are strictly regulated, in order to guarantee the protection and health of employees. However, corporate seminars, often set up to encourage solidarity within teams, frequently raise the issue of alcohol consumption. So, what is the French legislation on this subject and what are the responsibilities of company managers? Here is an overview of the current standards and effective methods for managing alcohol during work events, corporate seminars or “Team-Building“.

French legislation: limited tolerance for alcohol at work and during seminars

Article R. 4228-20 of the French Labor Code is clear: it is generally forbidden to drink alcohol in the workplace, with the exception of a few types of alcoholic beverages deemed light. Consequently, employers have the possibility of having wine, beer, cider, etc. drunk in professional premises, while the use of strong alcohol (such as spirits) is strictly prohibited. The aim of this regulation is to reduce the dangers associated with alcohol consumption, such as occupational accidents, deviant behavior, and health problems. However, the Labor Code also specifies that if necessary for the protection of its employees, it is possible to limit or even completely prohibit the consumption of alcohol. For example, in professions requiring greater vigilance or involving the use of dangerous machinery, it is common to impose a complete ban on alcohol.

Seminars and corporate events: a specific framework, but rules to follow

Company seminars, often set up outside professional spaces, do not constitute a "lawless zone". Even in this framework, the principles of the Labor Code are in force, in particular those concerning health and safety. The employer remains liable, even during festive events organized outside the usual workplace.

It is the responsibility of managers to ensure that alcohol consumption remains moderate and that the organization of the event or seminar minimizes the dangers for participants. They can, for example:

• Limit access to alcoholic beverages and encourage the consumption of non-alcoholic beverages.
• Favor light drinks (wine, beer) to comply with the law.
• Organize the return of participants (shuttles, taxis, accommodation) to guarantee safety after the event.
• Communicate on moderation and remind participants of the risks of excessive alcohol consumption.

Employer Responsibility: Ensuring Employee Safety

The employer is required to ensure safety and prevention for its employees, a responsibility that includes professional events such as company seminars. If an incident (accident, inappropriate behavior, discomfort) occurs during a seminar and the employer does not take appropriate measures to reduce the dangers, it is possible that it will be held responsible. This could result in administrative or even criminal sanctions, depending on the severity of the facts and the possible repercussions. In order to reduce its liability, the employer is required to be attentive and ensure that the conditions of the event or seminar ensure the protection of each participant. For example, the creation of an "alcohol moderator" (or facilitator responsible for controlling the distribution of drinks) could serve to engage the participants while complying with legal standards. It is also advisable to include a specific provision regarding alcohol consumption in the company's internal statutes.

Best practices for a responsible seminar

For companies, planning a seminar with supervised alcohol consumption helps maintain a calm work environment while respecting the goals of the event. Here are some recommended methods:

• Offer attractive non-alcoholic alternatives, such as mocktails, to encourage moderation.
• Limit the quantities of alcohol served based on the duration of the event and the objectives of the evening.
• Appoint a security manager to ensure the smooth running of the event, especially if it ends late.
• Provide means of transport for the return of participants, in order to limit the risks of driving under the influence.

What does the case law say?

On several occasions, the employer's responsibility for safety has been validated by French case law. For example, employers have been held responsible for alcohol-related incidents occurring during business trips or company meetings. In other words, even in a festive context, the employer's duty of safety is omnipresent and he is required to put in place all appropriate measures to prevent any incident.

In short: on company seminars and alcohol!

Although French law authorizes, to a certain extent, the use of alcohol in the workplace, it remains highly regulated and requires precautions. During seminars or company events, the employer's responsibility is fully engaged. It is therefore up to him to guarantee moderate alcohol consumption, by establishing appropriate protection measures. By implementing these effective standards and methods, companies can combine conviviality and safeguarding, thereby ensuring a respectful and responsible professional environment. Simple rules to follow to make the most of a company seminar in Beaune in Burgundy.