Alcohol Abuse in the Restaurant Industry
Alcohol Abuse in the Restaurant Industry
Shelsie Ann Lawrence
University of West Florida
Alcohol Abuse in the Restaurant Industry
The purpose of this paper is to look at the high incidence of alcohol abuse in the restaurant industry and the possible causes. I will use studies done, but also incidences from my own personal experience of 15 years in the restaurant industry.
Background
The American Psychological Association defines alcohol abuse as, “a drinking pattern that results in significant and recurrent adverse consequences.” (http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/alcohol-disorders.aspx). These consequences can be lost work days, vehicle accidents, the breakdown and loss of relationships, serious illnesses.
Alcohol abuse is extremely high in the restaurant industry. It is readily available and consistently used as a reward for good behavior. The consequences of alcohol abuse are much more tolerated. I worked for a chef that would come in to work hung over and late. She would clock in, and then sit down to have a beer to help the hangover. After the beer was consumed, it was time to make something to eat, all of this eating up the first 30 minutes of her work day. She would not be punished for this behavior, because chances are, she was out drinking with one of our owners the night before. This scene would play itself out at least once a week.
I also had a co-worker that was allowed to go home, due to a hangover. We will call her Sue. Sue was not much of a drinker. I would say, she probably went out once a month. Sue gets off work, and almost all her co-workers are at the bar drinking. At this particular restaurant, the kitchen and servers would close down the restaurant between the hours of 10:00pm and 11:00 pm, this would put the time staff gets off work around 11:00pm or midnight. The bar would then stay open until 2:00 am.
To set the stage a bit more, it is also important to note a few other things about this particular restaurant. Staff was allowed
Shelsie Ann Lawrence
University of West Florida
Alcohol Abuse in the Restaurant Industry
The purpose of this paper is to look at the high incidence of alcohol abuse in the restaurant industry and the possible causes. I will use studies done, but also incidences from my own personal experience of 15 years in the restaurant industry.
Background
The American Psychological Association defines alcohol abuse as, “a drinking pattern that results in significant and recurrent adverse consequences.” (http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/alcohol-disorders.aspx). These consequences can be lost work days, vehicle accidents, the breakdown and loss of relationships, serious illnesses.
Alcohol abuse is extremely high in the restaurant industry. It is readily available and consistently used as a reward for good behavior. The consequences of alcohol abuse are much more tolerated. I worked for a chef that would come in to work hung over and late. She would clock in, and then sit down to have a beer to help the hangover. After the beer was consumed, it was time to make something to eat, all of this eating up the first 30 minutes of her work day. She would not be punished for this behavior, because chances are, she was out drinking with one of our owners the night before. This scene would play itself out at least once a week.
I also had a co-worker that was allowed to go home, due to a hangover. We will call her Sue. Sue was not much of a drinker. I would say, she probably went out once a month. Sue gets off work, and almost all her co-workers are at the bar drinking. At this particular restaurant, the kitchen and servers would close down the restaurant between the hours of 10:00pm and 11:00 pm, this would put the time staff gets off work around 11:00pm or midnight. The bar would then stay open until 2:00 am.
To set the stage a bit more, it is also important to note a few other things about this particular restaurant. Staff was allowed
References: ARTHUR H. FRIEDLANDER, D., & STEPHEN. (2003). Alcohol abuse and dependence:Psychopathology, medical management and dental implications. J Am Dent Assoc. Peter E. Nathan, P., John Wallace, P., Joan Zweben, P., & and A. Thomas Horvath, P. (2010). Understanding Alcohol Use Disorders and Their Treatment. American Psychological Association . Rachel R. Doern, S. M. (2008). THE SOCIAL MEANINGS OF DRINKING: STRENGTHENING THE SOCIAL BONDS OF RESTAURANT EMPLOYEES. Advances in Consumer Research Volume 25 , 481-485. Roland S. Moore, P. C. (2009). Dimensions of Problem Drinking among Young Adult Restaurant Workers. AM J Drug Alcohol Abuse , 329-333. http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos162.htm http://www.ohsrep.org.au/hazards/fatigue-impairment/alcohol-and-work/index.cfm