Businesses increasingly offering 'alcohol-free' Christmas parties

Businesses are increasingly offering alcohol-free staff Christmas parties, it has been claimed.

According to reports by Online Recruitment, the shift towards a more sober party environment comes in an attempt to move away from having to face the consequences of damaged offices, inebriated staff members and embarrassment over employee indiscretions.

Steven Meyerhoff, a representative from Backhouse Jones Solicitors in Clitheroe, goes further, citing research showing that in 2006, a majority of employers - 90 per cent - received a post-party harassment complaint from a member of staff.

"We have found that many of the businesses we advise are looking at non-alcoholic options, such as a team building event or a trip to the theatre," said Mr Meyerhoff.

"Scare stories have led to many businesses cancelling Christmas parties but, as many organisations are realising, there is no need for that," he added.

When consumed, alcohol can have a number of different effects on the body, including blurred vision, vertigo and dehydration.