Company Picnics & Alcohol

Alcohol is a common feature for many corporate events. Whether it’s a toast of champagne at a sophisticated VIP dinner or cold bottles of beer between team building activities at a picnic, alcohol definitely has its place in the company event sphere.

You may have a few questions about making your picnic alcohol friendly, and we’re here to answer them for you.

Whether you’re wondering about our standard procedure for serving alcohol, or curious if you can plan a dry picnic, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a rundown on alcohol and company picnics.

Couple Posing at the German Cutout at AltaMed's International Olympics Themed Staff Picnic in San Dimas

October Fest/Fall Themed Company Picnic with Alcohol

Is Alcohol a Good Thing at a Company Picnic?

In short, alcohol can be a good thing at a company picnic, but it depends on your company culture, expectations and how it is presented.

Many employees are used to being served drinks at a company event, be it formal or informal. This expectation of “free drinks” may even be a deciding factor to attend or not.

Serving them safely and responsibility is what will decide if it is a good thing to have alcohol at your company picnic. There are a few ways to do this.

Our Checklist for Serving Alcohol at Your Company Picnic

Bar Notice with Havana Day Dreamin' Decor for Company Picnic in Newport Beach, California

Be sure the location of choice allows alcohol
Acquire all permits needed to serve alcohol for your guests
Check identification at registration and provide wristbands
Have license bartender and appropriate security
Insurance is a must when serving any amount of alcohol

What is your Protocol?

Of course, alcohol must be served responsibility. Here at A Company Picnic, we value responsibility and an event running smoothly.That is why we recommend:

Check ID at Registration with Proof (wristbands or stamps)
Using Licensed Bartenders
Appropriate Security
A Medic Station (recommended for all picnics, regardless of alcoholic beverages)
We Include Insurance
Use Stamp Method vs Loose Tickets
Limiting Drinks per Adult (Open Bar if 21+ Only Event)
Designated Drinking Area

We have a standard procedure of checking ID at registration and providing wristbands to prove it.

While you can have an open bar at a company picnic, we only offer that if the event is employee-only and everyone is of age.

Tickets are a popular option. However, loose tickets allow staff to “pass off” their unused tickets to others, giving them an opportunity to bypass the maximum 2-drinks per adult rules. To avoid this, consider “stamping” wrist bands. These bands are placed on the wrists of ID checked adults at the registration desk, avoiding the ability to ‘collect’ unused tickets from others.

Theme Ideas that Work Well for a Picnic with Alcohol

Couple Playing Ring Toss Game at a Carnival Themed Company Picnic (800x1200)

Team Building
Havana Days
Sports
Luau
Classic

How do You Keep Things from Getting Crazy?

We have an amazing line of bartenders, catering staff, servers, security and DJs who know how to keep a crowd on the line between professional and fun.

Our entire team works together seamlessly to assure events and guests stay responsible. Over the last 40 years we’ve learned to guide them in the right direction smoothly enough for them to not even realize we’re doing so.

Methods like wristbands, stamping for limited drinks per adult, and limiting drinking to certain areas (such as a fenced off section of the event) help keep the event fun and safe for everyone.

What if I Want a Dry Company Picnic?

Group Preparing to Play Balloon Toss at Edwards Havana Day Dreamin' Company BBQ 2022 on a California Beach

Of course, there’s always the option of having a dry picnic.

If you choose to do so, we’d recommend adding in extra games and fun activities. If you’d like to figure out what your employees think is the most fun way to spend the picnic, we can help you put together a survey to send out in your email blast or add to your next employee newsletter.