Whatever happened to the old fashioned office party?

I am not talking some wussy pot luck. I am talking about the old style office parties where everyone got dressed up and went to mingle at the office in a social setting. The food and adult beverages flowed and everyone had a spendid time. The world is getting so wussy now it is pathetic. If firms don't want the responsibility of anyone drinking and driving then hire a tour bus service to bring all party-goers to and from the party. I am suggesting this idea so that we may have REAL office parties in my company. What do you guys think?

The company my hubby works for rents an entire hotel for the party, everyone stays there over night so we can all drink ourselves sick and they also have food done by the hotel. When we first get there we are given our room key and are expected to hand over our car keys to the company CEO and they keep them in a safe at the hotel. They have the best parties! Prime rib,shrimp and all the fancy food you can eat and the bar is wide open and none of us pays for a thing. The company picks up the entire tab. Let's hear it for the oil companies people!!!!!!!

Cause most people don't wanna spend more time with people they work with than necessary.

What happened to it began in the 1960s when the laws began to change the the company/host, etc., could be sued if someone drank too much at a party and was involved in an accident on the way home.
It's even worse if the party is either at the office, attendance is expected, OR the office is paying for the booze.

Work places wised up about the troubles having alchohol on the premisses caused and have changed things up. Personally I think it's for the best.

Some considerations are legal, as stated above, and others are financial. The days of high profits are gone, and companies can't afford to shell out for morale-builders that really don't work anyway, since you never feel at ease again with the receptionist you puked over at the last party.

In my experience it comes down to two things. Money and being Politically Correct. Last year, husband's big company didn't host a party due to money/budget. I think the economy has really put a damper on these types of activities. The year before that they hosted one, but AFTER the holiday season - I think it was like in late January or February. And at that point, what's the point? What's up with that? I think they were trying to not offend anyone or something. But, by then we're not in the festive holiday spirit anymore. I didn't even go with him because we had all just gotten back into the swing of school schedules and everything; just really lame. the 8 years before that they had always hosted a nice, festive party during the holiday season and it was always a good time to be had.

I agree with you, The laws are way to strict and companies are scared of being sued....

I'd say that the demise of the office party is due to people harbouring thoughts like, "Organising one is just too much hassle and takes too long"; "I'll be happy to go, but only if someone else organises it"; as well as fear of litigation and barmy health and safety laws. With the result that no-one is prepared to arrange one, so it doesn't happen.

I agree with you! We are all adults we know how to handle our drinks! Drinks should be allowed at the office party! I hate our work partys! All they seem to have is stupid cake and bread very cheap and disgusting! I don't even go to my work partys anymore! If they had drinks that would liven things up abit!

Will your hire me---Boss??????