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Colleague drinking at work

159 replies

Chasa · 27/01/2026 14:30

My colleague is known for liking a drink and I and others have smelled drink on him on previous occasions. However, over the past fortnight his behaviour has become more hyper at work as if he wasn't just nursing a hangover but was actually still perhaps drunk? Another colleague suggested that maybe he was drinking at work so we decided to go and look in his backpack and there was an empty kids drinks bottle with a tiny bit of wine left in it. So he is drinijng on the job. So do we do anything or mind our own business? He's a nice guy on the whole. I'm thinking say nothing, I need advice.

OP posts:
chunkyBoo · 27/01/2026 14:57

JamesClyman · 27/01/2026 14:41

And?

Maybe you don’t mind breaking the law, and infringing someone’s privacy … but it’s illegal and morally wrong, plus none of anyone’s business except the management

VictoriousPunge · 27/01/2026 14:57

Chasa · 27/01/2026 14:30

My colleague is known for liking a drink and I and others have smelled drink on him on previous occasions. However, over the past fortnight his behaviour has become more hyper at work as if he wasn't just nursing a hangover but was actually still perhaps drunk? Another colleague suggested that maybe he was drinking at work so we decided to go and look in his backpack and there was an empty kids drinks bottle with a tiny bit of wine left in it. So he is drinijng on the job. So do we do anything or mind our own business? He's a nice guy on the whole. I'm thinking say nothing, I need advice.

What was your plan when you decided to check his bag for evidence? What were you expecting to do with the information?

RawBloomers · 27/01/2026 14:57

chunkyBoo · 27/01/2026 14:36

Searching someone’s bag without consent is actually illegal

It's dodgy, ethically, but can't think of a law it breaks.

BunnyLake · 27/01/2026 14:56

JamesClyman · 27/01/2026 14:41

And?

OP could be in danger of disciplinary action? Who knows?

Beakthrough · 27/01/2026 14:56

If you think his erratic behaviour is a risk, report that. Don't be going through people's things again!

BunnyLake · 27/01/2026 14:54

Chasa · 27/01/2026 14:40

He used to drive, but he walks or gets dropped off as far as I'm aware - he starts before me in morning.

Well it does sound like he has a drink problem, but unless he is a danger to himself or others you might just have to leave it until a supervisor cottons on. Especially in light of you going in his bag, which has put you in a precarious position.

Soonenough · 27/01/2026 14:54

Report your concerns about his behaviour, alcohol smell. Let them take it from there. I wouldn't mention it to your colleague. He's hardly going to care what you say if he is in the grip of addiction. The fact you looked and found his secret stash is irrelevant. It's not a criminal offense .

limetrees32 · 27/01/2026 14:54

Poor bugger, I've been there.
The most I could have coped with is a passing remark,eg " heavy night last night ? Or did you need a pick me up this morning?."

scorpiogirly · 27/01/2026 14:53

I'd suggest keeping your hands out of people's bags and MYOB.

greatvisuals · 27/01/2026 14:50

It's a very sad situation. Does anyone know him well enough to offer support?

JamesClyman · 27/01/2026 14:50

Unhappyitis · 27/01/2026 14:47

I actually can't believe you went into your colleague's bag. So terrible of you, am shocked.

You should have reported the smell, not taken it upon yourself to search his bag.

I'm shocked that you are shocked.

JamesClyman · 27/01/2026 14:49

wishingonastar101 · 27/01/2026 14:47

If he is not putting you or anyone else in danger - I would leave it.

And when the shit hits the fan and there's a major cock-up you think that is going to save anybody?

AlwaysTheRenegade · 27/01/2026 14:49

The empty bottle is not really any tangible evidence here. It could have been in there for God knows how long, could it even be squash/ cordial?
What outcome do you want?

Unhappyitis · 27/01/2026 14:47

I actually can't believe you went into your colleague's bag. So terrible of you, am shocked.

You should have reported the smell, not taken it upon yourself to search his bag.

wishingonastar101 · 27/01/2026 14:47

If he is not putting you or anyone else in danger - I would leave it.

JamesClyman · 27/01/2026 14:47

Mention your concerns to your manager. That is what we did in a similar case.

Do not mention looking in the bag though. Base your case on the smell of alcohol and their behaviour

In our case the employee became so unreliable that they were eventually dismissed.

Catwoman8 · 27/01/2026 14:46

You had no right to snoop through his personal belongings!

That aside, if he smells strongly of alcohol on a regular basis you could report your concerns and let the management deal with it.

Robertplantgoddess · 27/01/2026 14:45

Chasa · 27/01/2026 14:40

He used to drive, but he walks or gets dropped off as far as I'm aware - he starts before me in morning.

This could be as he has most his license
Obviously may not be buy if it is then he must be aware that he is approaching absolute bottom. No help to you but it may mean he is open to someone giving him chance to acknowledge this himself.

MissMoneyFairy · 27/01/2026 14:45

Chasa · 27/01/2026 14:39

When you find something by snooping, you kind of don't have anywhere to go with it because technically I am in the wrong.

Yes you're wrong, that was a terrible thing to do and now you have to either be complicit in covering up if he is drinking or face up to any disciplinary you may get for going through his bag. If you're truly concerned you should speak to him directly and offer any support if he asks for it, you can speak with your manager but you need to fess up.

chunkyBoo · 27/01/2026 14:44

Chasa · 27/01/2026 14:38

I realise that, in hindsight now. I'm beginning to wish we hadn't done it.

You could actually be in more trouble than him! He could say it was planted on him by you, and he could get you potentially arrested so I’d keep quiet, perhaps raise to your manager he keeps smelling of booze

Zebralele · 27/01/2026 14:43

All you can do is report suspicions but you can't mention the snooping, that and the gossip probably come under bullying too so you and your colleague won't come out of this well.

Muchtoomuchtodo · 27/01/2026 14:42

I think as you’ve snooped in his bag, you really ought to talk to your colleague rather than taking your concerns any higher just yet.

JamesClyman · 27/01/2026 14:41

chunkyBoo · 27/01/2026 14:36

Searching someone’s bag without consent is actually illegal

And?

Chasa · 27/01/2026 14:40

Dextersgoneovertherainbowbridge · 27/01/2026 14:39

How does he get to and from work? Dies he drive?

He used to drive, but he walks or gets dropped off as far as I'm aware - he starts before me in morning.

OP posts:
CremeEggThief · 27/01/2026 14:40

IDK. You had no right to look in his backpack anyway. How would you feel if that was done to you by your colleagues??