Employee Terminated Over a Beer at Lunch

Can an employee be let go “for cause” for enjoying beer or wine during a lunch break?

A mechanical engineer came to us recently after being terminated by his employer.

A coworker alleged that he had returned to work after lunch, reeking of alcohol. The engineer confirmed to us that he was not drunk and had consumed only one helping of beer during his break, but had returned to work sober.

The business, which has a zero-tolerance policy towards alcohol, let him go with cause.

Did the employer make the right call?

What are your rights if you find yourself in a situation like this?

Listen below for answers from Toronto employment lawyer Lior Samfiru on the Employment Law Show on Global News Radio.