Restaurant Drugs and Alcohol Policy

I. Introduction

We are committed to maintaining a safe and productive work environment for all employees, contractors, and visitors. This policy outlines our stance on the use of drugs and alcohol in the workplace to ensure compliance with legal requirements and industry standards. The policy applies to all employees, contractors, and visitors who interact with our organization.

II. Definitions

For the purpose of this policy, the following definitions apply:

Drugs: Refers to illegal substances, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter medications that may impair an individual's performance or safety.
Alcohol: Any beverage containing ethanol that can impair cognitive and motor functions.

III. Prohibited Conduct

A. Use and Possession

The possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs or alcohol on our premises is strictly prohibited. Employees, contractors, and visitors must not bring or consume these substances within our facilities or during any work-related activities offsite.

B. Under the Influence

Employees must not report to work or perform any job duties while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Being under the influence is defined as having detectable levels of these substances in one's system that impair the ability to perform job responsibilities safely and effectively.

IV. Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications

A. Disclosure Requirement

Employees must inform their supervisor if they are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medication that may impair their ability to perform their job safely and effectively. This disclosure allows us to make appropriate adjustments to ensure workplace safety.

B. Accommodations

We will provide reasonable accommodations for employees who are taking medications as prescribed by their healthcare provider. This may include temporary reassignment of duties or adjustments to work schedules to ensure safety and productivity.

V. Testing

A. Pre-Employment Testing

All new hires may be required to undergo drug and alcohol testing as part of the pre-employment process. This testing ensures that potential employees meet our standards for a drug-free workplace.

B. Random Testing

We may conduct random drug and alcohol testing of employees to maintain a safe and productive work environment. Employees selected for random testing will be notified and required to comply promptly.

C. Reasonable Suspicion Testing

If there is reasonable suspicion that an employee is under the influence of drugs or alcohol while on duty, we may require that employee to undergo immediate testing. Reasonable suspicion may be based on observable signs, behavior, or other credible evidence.

D. Post-Accident Testing

Employees involved in workplace accidents may be required to undergo drug and alcohol testing. This testing helps determine whether substance use contributed to the incident and supports our commitment to workplace safety.

VI. Consequences of Policy Violation

A. Disciplinary Action

Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. The following table outlines specific violations and corresponding disciplinary actions:

Violation	Disciplinary Action
Possession of illegal drugs/alcohol	Immediate termination
Use of illegal drugs/alcohol on-site	Immediate termination
Under the influence at work	Suspension or termination
Refusal to undergo required testing	Immediate termination

B. Mandatory Rehabilitation

In some cases, employees who violate this policy may be required to participate in a rehabilitation program as a condition of continued employment. This decision will be made based on the nature of the violation and the employee's willingness to comply with treatment recommendations.

VII. Employee Assistance Program

We offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support employees dealing with substance abuse issues. The EAP provides confidential counseling and resources to help employees overcome personal challenges and maintain their well-being. Support services available through the EAP include:

Counseling services
Substance abuse treatment referrals
Stress management resources
Health and wellness programs
Financial and legal advice

VIII. Confidentiality and Privacy

All records related to drug and alcohol testing, as well as disclosures of medication use, will be kept confidential. Access to these records will be limited to authorized personnel only. We are committed to protecting the privacy of our employees and ensuring that all information is handled in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

IX. Training and Education

We are committed to providing regular training and education to all employees on the dangers of substance abuse and the specifics of our drugs and alcohol policy. This ensures that everyone is aware of the policy and understands their role in maintaining a safe workplace. The following table outlines the training programs, their frequency, and duration:

Program	Frequency	Duration
Employee Orientation	Upon hiring	2 hours
Annual Policy Review	Annually	1 hour
Supervisor Training	Annually	2 hours
Substance Abuse Awareness	Bi-annually	1.5 hours

X. Review and Updates

This policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains up-to-date with legal requirements and best practices. Updates will be made as necessary, and employees will be notified of any significant changes. We encourage employee feedback to help improve and refine our policy.