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.

Surely everyone could go to both.

The company I work for does this, it means more and more staff are joining work socials. We tried moving them to alcohol free restaurants, but some colleagues complained as they expected alcohol to be part of an evening meal, we tried veggie restaurants and some colleagues complained that they don’t eat vegetarian food. I don’t like the sort of meals served in pubs, I find it bland, so I just don’t go to work socials in a pub (unless its just for drinking). I however always go on our socials in dry restaurants as the food is always really good and the other guests aren’t rowdy.

Depends on the team tbh. I wouldn't go to a pub to eat a meal. My dh often has team dinners or lunches in places that are licensed. As long as there is a fish or vegetarian menu he is happy and at chrismas time his team usually go on for drinks after which he ducks out of. In the instance you're describing would it not have been easier to have in house catering or a buffet and then those that want to drink could move on after?

There are plenty of halal dishes that are non spicy, they may contain spices, but it does not mean they are spicy

Your examples aren't comparible (and I'd go in a strip club so long as there were men to look at too). I'm not religious and like a drink, I shouldn't have the option of having a glass of wine with my meal taken away because someone follows a god.

I should add that we don't work in business but in a social enterprise. We work in improving mental health and inclusion.

I do think a restaurant with alcohol makes sense because the whole point is diversity and inclusion of everybody.

If anyone acts like a tit when they've had a drink, that's a separate issue.

But why is the alcohol so integral to people's enjoyment of the event?

I think you’re overthinking this and actually highlighting the differences rather than promoting inclusivity. Just pick a nice restaurant rather than a pub/bar, with a varied menu with vegan options and a nice wine list for those who like a lovely Pinot with their steak. Having all halal or no alcohol is counterproductive in my opinion.

Some people like to have a drink with a meal. Some people like to have a drink to help them feel more relaxed in social situations.

If you want to avoid alcohol, organise an activity like an Escape Room.

Because alcohol is a truly great social lubricant and frequently turns an otherwise awkward and stilted evening making polite conversation with a bunch of strangers you aren’t very invested into something just that little bit more enjoyable, with the likelihood that being more relaxed will help conversation flow.

Its in London there must be hundreds of byo restaurants How hard is it to take a few bottles of wine for those who wish to have a glass with a meal.

Because it makes spending your evening with work colleagues slightly more bearable.

Even someone asking what everyone fancies to drink encourages non-awkward conversation that sets the mood. It's different ordering at a bar to sitting around a table and everyone only communicating with a waiter to ask for a coke.

I don't think that's OK at all, it should be one even for everyone.

The vast majority of slaughters for halal meat are done in exactly the same way as non halal meat, and animals are stunned before slaughter.
The only difference is a prayer is said.

Personally, I wouldn't go OP. This situation has arisen before, and so I politely declined. The venue should be inclusive for all - that includes both alcoholic and soft drinks, and halal and non halal options.

A decent restaurant won't have drunks stumbling all over the place, there is absolutely no reason for anyone to feel intimidated. Seems you are looking for reasons to exclude some colleagues here...

Does it matter why? It just is whether that's reasonable or not. A lot of people would find a dry social with work colleagues a pretty unappealing and joyless prospect.

If you ever buy meat from the supermarket, or in a chain restaurant, you have almost certainly eaten halal meat, whether you know it or not.

Anyway, I agree, OP. Is very them and us, and completely tone-deaf.

I love a nice bottle of wine and I’m even a collector of them but I do think it’s troubling how so many people are unable to cope with social situations or have fun without drinking alcohol. Are most people really that awkward and anxious sober?

If it’s scary to be around people drinking is there a facility for them to go off “crying and shaking”

What if Emily from marketing sneaks a quarter bottle in her vegan leather handbag to neck in the toilets.

Tbf I would make it at restaurant where halal food is available and so is alcohol. Inclusive for all then

It's not like the non-drinkers are being excluded, they just have the choice of which event to attend. If you think about it, it is daft to demand non-Muslims would have to change their behaviour to suit the (presumed) preferences of members of a particular religion.

Also going to a halal restaurant is really dodgy ground. You'd basically be exluding Jews from going to that particular event. It'd be better just to say we're going to this pub they serve a halal option and a kosher option plus one for any vegans. If you don't want to drink we won't force you, we will come down hard on anyone who spikes anyone else's drinks. One event then suits everyone.

I take it you are the non drinker OP and want to ship off all the drinkers to a pub?

Do people actually want a social event at all?

I'm so confused why it's pub or halal restaurant? Can't you just find a venue with good fish and veggie options and the option of a bar?