Originally Posted by
calmself 
Thanks, dear Hodd. I have to face this sooner or later. And the event is during work time (Friday 1 PM - 5 PM)! Guess it's time to push the envelope and see what happens.
Do you drive to work or can you do so on Friday? I’m fairly easy going and passive, but this is a serious one. Take the day off, call in sick or go home at 1pm. What’s the worst that can happen? Well, you know the answer to that one
I go swimming on a Friday evening with club mates. People do all sorts of activities on a Friday evening. Why is this company encouraging heavy drinking in the middle of the day? I’m sure a lot of people have family stuff to do, weekend getaways, etc. I’m 100% sure you wouldn’t be the only person making excuses and getting out of this awful event.
Also, you mention that you haven’t told colleagues you don’t drink. Now would be a great time to do so. Believe me, some of them will be envious.