1. Be honest with employees. Make sure your employees know your workplace substance abuse policy and that the policy addresses the use of alcoholic beverages in any work-related situation and office social function.
  2. Post the policy. Use every communication vehicle to make sure your employees know the policy. Prior to an office party, use break room bulletin boards, office e-mail and paycheck envelopes to communicate your policy and concerns.
  3. Reinvent the office party concept. Instead of hosting the typical office party, try something new, like an indoor carnival, group outing to an amusement park or volunteer activity with a local charity.
  4. Make sure employees know when to say when. If you do serve alcohol at an office event, make sure all employees know that they are welcome to attend and have a good time, but that they are expected to act responsibly.
  5. Make it the office party of choice. Make sure there are plenty of non-alcoholic beverages available.
  6. Eat...and be merry! Avoid serving lots of salty, greasy or sweet foods which tend to make people thirsty. Serve foods rich in starch and protein which stay in the stomach longer and slow the absorption of alcohol in the bloodstream. 

—Hedley Lawson, Contributing Editor