Abstract
Alcohol is the most socially acceptable drug in Europe, its use being tolerated and to a greater or lesser extent institutionalized (Royal College of Psychiatrists 1986). Heavy drinking is the norm in some communities. Only recently, many UK business organizations have taken a leaf out of American books and signalled their disapproval of the drinking of alcohol immediately before or during working hours. This is because of its deleterious effects on performance and increased risk of accidents