From the BBC: In the UK, about 2.9 million adults - 7% of the population - are alcohol dependent.

Stampede week aside, drinking during the workday just isn't acceptable for a lot of employers in Calgary ... no Friday lunchtime trips to the pub.

Anyone care to comment on what they have observed in Canada?

Anyone in the UK think that's a huge barrier to emigrating?

WOW you are brave to venture in to that question.... that topic over here in Yorkshire is Taboo for me!! The resident Brits here, hear my Canadian Accent Eh, and they take a little offence "aboot" that eh lol.

But on a very serious note you are correct, it is not smiled upon in Toronto anyways to nip out for a few pints in the middle of the work day. In some places it was close to a fireable offence, coming in smelling of beer after lunch! Strange some times the cultural differences in western culture.

Sharmagirl

Nope, just plain stupid

I've seen the same too ... I've observed that coming in the next morning with a hangover and stinking of beer doesn't always go down too well either ... you get a couple of strikes, then it's time to have a little talk ... not personal experience, but I've seen it happen.

Strange considering how many of the bars are almost allways full at lunch time and at least 50% of the meals are served with beer?

It doesn't set a good example to smell of alcohol however a shower and a good mouth wash could prevent hangover odours.

Binge drinking is a problem in most if not all developed countries.

Karl

My take? There are a lot of alcoholics in Canada, but the work / drink thing is definitely a no no. At my last employer there were a few hard core drinkers who used to head to a bar after work a couple of times a week, but they were a very small minority, and it was largely discouraged by management, where ten years ago the manager would have got the first round in (so I was told). Its certainly not the norm here.

My experience is canadians are far more likely to hit the spirits at home in the evening, and especially the weekend, though than to have a social beer and a chat down the pub. Maybe thats just my white trashy neighbourhood though!

Only ever been to one business lunch where somebody consumed alcohol ... normally it's pop all round.

I must have lucked out then The software company that I will shortly be starting with in Calgary seems to employee a fair number of thirsty types and they often go for a drink after work.

All seems perfectly fair though since the work load that they put on you is enough to drive you to drink. I should know since I've worked with them in the UK as a contractor for the last seven years

You only have to look at the lineups at the liquor store or bottle depot ... a lot of people certainly seem to buy more spirits than beer.

I think I remember the UK standard for beer was 4 packs? Here it's 6 packs ... or 12's, 15's or 24's.

Somebody is certainly drinking all that booze ... just don't get caught at work doing it.

My experience so far.

Canadians appear more likely to Drink and drive.

I has beers last week with 4 Canadians who all had at least 4 drinks and drove home.

Just my observations.

Another one: If the temp is -45 with windchill they'll still serve beer in frosted glasses.

I spent many years drinking at lunchtime. But since working for myself I can now see it is not a good idea. Moderation in all things.

Easy to be retrospective though.

But I have had bouts during the last 2-3 years where the evenings got a bashing.

Alcholol - just because you are off the beer due to the waistline its on your mind.

Go to admit that the homesickness stopped when I stopped the beer ... how many of those cases of rose tinted glasses are actually beer goggles

And mine! I have been out to dinner with Canadian friends......and ALL of them drink and drive, always consuming more than 4 or 5 glasses of wine, and then they will have a brandy with their coffee. I comment on it all the time and they just laugh me off with "oh we'll be okay - we'll just take the back roads!"

That's why the Calgary Police have checkstops ... you lose your license on the spot if you're over the limit ... for people with jobs like mine, that means losing your job too.