DRS Etiquette Quiz Answers: What Should You Do When You Don't Drink and You're Offered One?

 


Last week I asked the question, “If you don't drink, but you’re being served an alcoholic wine at a formal or an informal dinner, what should you do?” And I provided the options below for you to choose from.


a. Turn your wine glass upside down to decline.

b. Hold your hand over the glass, and shake your head at the host or waiter.

c. Announce your dislike for an alcoholic drink, ask to be served non-alcoholic wine or ask that your glass be taken away.

d. Allow the wine to be poured; there's no need to draw attention to yourself. You don't have to drink it.


There are differences of opinion on the etiquette you should apply when you don’t drink, and you’re being served an alcoholic wine at a formal or an informal dinner. Read the following views:


When wine is served to you, simply state “I won’t be having any wine.” Do this with a smile to signal your goodwill towards all. If there is a wine glass in front of you, ask the waiter to remove it.


If someone is pouring wine into glasses and comes to you, place your hand out flat above the glass to signal that you don’t want wine. You can do this with an empty glass or if someone is refilling it.


There are situations where you can apply the above tips, but here is my expert etiquette advice:


When you’re offered an alcoholic wine at a formal or an informal dinner, and you’re a Christian who doesn’t drink, or you’re someone who is trying to overcome a drinking issue or is a recovering alcoholic, avoid explaining why you don’t want wine as your disapproval will be rude and imply putting a criticism on those enjoying the drink. If you’re a Christian Brother or Sister, this is NOT the time or place to try to convert your friends to an alcohol-free lifestyle. So, simply allow the wine to be poured; there's no need to draw attention to you. You don't have to drink it. Thus, your answer is D.


Thank you for participating in this quiz! For your expert business etiquette questions, requests and training we can help you with, email us at drsetiquetteconsulting@gmail.com. Also, a reminder that we are on Instagram @drsconsulting and Facebook @drsconsulting@drsco. Feel free to follow us.

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All good success,⁣⁣⁣

Damilola, Business Coach & Etiquette Consultant


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