Halal/ alcohol free social event

[MrsMarieMopps]

Just wondering what everyone thinks. I am attending a work related training event. Diversity is a key element of my role and also of the training. The organisers have arranged to go for a meal at the local pub afterwards but have arranged a separate event at a different venue for those who would not go to a pub in a different restaurant.
Would it not be more inclusive for all to go to the non licensed premises, with the option for those who wish to go out drinking afterwards? It seems a shame that the connections between Muslim and non Muslim colleagues will not be strengthened through this work event.

Yes, seems very excluding. There are 2 locations, one where everyone can go, one where a few members can’t go. Seems a no brainer to me.

There are plenty unlicensed places, but I don't think this would be just about alcohol. Some people don't want to eat halal meat.

Most Muslims I know would have no issue with going for a meal at a pub anyway. Pubs that do meals are basically restaurants with pub decor these days anyway! A bit of an odd decision made in the name of attempting to be inclusive. It literally has the opposite effect.

this is ridiculous. I mean why not organise at a standard restaurant... or even a restaurant with halal options and those that want to drink, order drinks and those who don't drink have soft drinks? just common sense....

What a way to make part of the team feel "othered".

Everyone goes to one work provided venue which is suitable for all (eg alcohol free), then those who wish to socialise afterwards can do elsewhere.

@Cheesusisgrate I don't agree with halal meat or any meat so I would have the veggie option

I would not want to eat halal meat. Not bothered about lack of alcohol.

I think some attempt at compromise should be reached.

I'd have gone with a meal at a veggie, non licensed restaurant to alleviate concerns about alcohol and also halal meat. Then everyone is included, but depending on location you may struggle to find such a venue.

I'd be happy to go to a place where alcohol isn't sold, but wouldn't go to a place that serves Halal meat only.

Yeah I would be bit miffed if my only option at meal out was veggie. So would my muslim dh.
Essentially, they ott tried to make everyone happy and cause most likely more unhappiness.
There would be someone moaning no matter which place would be booked, but separation is quite ott.

I do know some women who would feel uncomfortable with going into a pub or any venue where lots of alcohol is being consumed. Also should we be separating our colleagues just so that half can engage in an activity which is actually the opposite of what our 'company' stands for (alcohol)?

Yep totally wrong. Should have hired a function room and got caterers to do a veggie menu with mocktails and juices so it was universal . I’d have still enjoyed it and I say that as a carnivorous booze hound.

Organisers have been very lazy haven't they

You are right. I think it's a horrible thing to do personally.

I don't understand why everyone can't go a venue suitable for everyone. It's not difficult not to drink alcohol is it? And if people don't want halal meat just have the veg options.

@Dacadactyl it's central London so not difficult

I’d probably not want to go to a dinner with no option to get a nice glass of wine, and with only halal meat. To me, a dinner is a treat and a rare glass of wine with dinner is a part of that treat. I like meat, but don’t eat it often for health reasons so I like to eat meat as another treat when I go to a restaurant. However, I don’t agree with halal, so couldn’t eat a meat dish. A regular veggie dinner with no glass of wine is just a normal weekday dinner for me - personally I’d prefer just to stay home and eat in the comfort of my own home if that’s going to be my meal! 😂 I’d not bother with the awkwardness of socialising with colleagues for a normal veggie dinner with no lovely glass of wine to enjoy! May as well just stay in if it’s not going to be a bit of a treat.

I'm with you that it should not be in a pub. Work and alcohol mixing can have a bad outcome sadly in you many cases. People should not be forced to declare their religion (or not) at work if they choose.

@babysharkdoodoodedoodedoo but this is a work event related to connecting with other colleagues from all over the country, it's not a standard work do or social. It's perhaps is shared understanding of eachother's roles and experiences.

Personally I wouldn't choose to eat Halal meat, and would therefore choose not to go on that basis.

They just need to find somewhere that caters for everyone. Segregating people based on their needs/wants does the opposite of encouraging diversity.
It also increases the risk of racial slurs etc in the workplace.

I agree with babysharkdoodoodedoodedoo, no alcohol and only halal meat so I would have to eat veggie? I most likely wouldn't go either.

The vast majority of restaurants serve alcohol, the only ones I know of that don't are Asian food (one is Bangladeshi, one is Pakistani) and not everyone eats spicy food so that in it's self would be discriminatory. Eating in a pub doesn't mean you have to drink, I know many Muslims and they would be happy in a pub for a work meal.

That's pretty awful. They should find a restaurant that serves halal meat and all go there, those that drink alcohol can chose to have it.

I'm sure a lot of you eat halal meat without knowing it. My local subway is all halal although this isn't advertised anywhere. So is a lot of takeaway food, and ready meals.

Most Asian restaurants also serve English/non spicy dishes.

Also I've never seen a halal restaurant serving non spicy mixed foods. If there's a mix of people you need a variety of dishes not just one type