The Holiday Season is one that has a lot of parties of all kinds organized at the office, whether they be Birthday, Retirement, etc. As the Manager of a Web Team with a staff of 5 people, should I be drinking alcohol at those functions or should I just avoid it altogether and keep it for non-work related events if I want to be promoted? Or, should I just be myself and as long as I don't go crazy, it's okay?

What's your opinion on that?

I'd say no simply because of liability issues...that and you may need a license simply to serve alcoholic drinks at a company party that takes place at the company.  Plus what happens if a person was drinking at the party then drove home and plowed right into a minivan and killed three or four kids...yeah...guess who they're gonna sue.  ^_^

Also not everyone reacts to alcohol in the same way and not everyone knows when to stop.  I would say that *IF* you want to do alcohol have the Keeristmas party SOMEWHERE ELSE, like at a bowling alley, restaurant, etc that also serves alcoholic drinks and do it AFTER working hours.

Well, now that the poll is closed I see that the NO side won -- good to know. Also good to know is all the comments from fellow Lunarpagers. I think that in the end, if I can remain professional while having a few glasses of wine and use my common sense along the way I'll be fine. Thanks to all for participating. Poll now closed! 

By the time you are dancing with a lamp shade on your head....it is already too late.

Everyone has to know their own limitations and act accordingly. If someone has a problem with alcohol (even slight), they should abstain from drinking at all. My opinions are prejudiced from having lived with an alcoholic for most of my life. It doesn't help that I am allergic to alcohol and therefore can't drink myself.  I used to be the designated driver for everyone, until I got tired of hanging around with drunk people.

If you are at all worried about something you might do or say while under the influence, then don't drink.