Notes on Alcohol Policy in Germany — with Special Emphasis on the Workplace

Abstract

In Germany drinking has traditionally been integrated into daily life and the concept of alcohol policy (as known in Scandinavia) appears strange. Alcohol is also generally accepted in the workplace where one frequently can buy even alcoholic beverages. This reflects the commonly held attitude that normal consumers should not be “punished” because other consumers have problems. This general attitude is also reflected in both workers' and employers' organizations, as well as in enterprises, which all tend to place priority on individual case-by-case management of alcohol and drug problems, instead of on formal, written policies. The empirical material for the article is taken from a current study on alcohol, drugs and the workplace, which was made for ILO.