Beer at work

I just read this article about companies that make beer available to their employees. The author's human resources perspective lumps this perk in with other benefits such as free food and the famous sleeping holes at Google. In the end, she appears to conclude that allowing employees the occasional beer is okay and is a useful barometer of the company's environment. Are you the kind of person who thinks that beer and work don't mix? Then, you probably shouldn't work at a company that keeps a well stocked beer fridge in the breakroom.

I'm really on the fence about this. Of course there are jobs where there should be absolutely no alcohol whatsoever - healthcare and trucking come to mind - and other jobs where it wouldn't be a big deal. Most office jobs would probably be fine. There are a few jobs where it's actually part of the job. Many breweries ask their employees to taste the product, either for quality control or just to keep them in touch with the product.

The reason I might not be in favor of beer on the job is the question of self-control. Here in the US we are still a little prudish about any form of alcohol. As such, some people can go overboard when they suddenly find that they are allowed to drink in unusual or unexpected circumstances. While most people in most situations could handle a beer on the clock there are always a few for whom it could become a problem. But, we shouldn't be punished for their problem, should we?

I just don't know. Should beer be available at work, assuming the nature of the job allows it? Sounds like a good time for another one of my world famous beer polls.