Percentage of Workers Consuming Alcohol During Work Hours [2026 Survey]

Survey Overview: In a recent survey involving 2,000 workers, we explored the prevalence of alcohol consumption during work hours and identified regional drinking preferences. The results highlight which states have the highest percentages of workers indulging in a drink while on the clock.

34% of employees admit to consuming alcohol during work hours.
States from North Dakota to Oklahoma have the highest beer-drinking populations.
32% of drinkers report an increase in work-hour drinking since the onset of the pandemic.
26% prefer beer, while 30% choose stronger options like liquor.
Alaska leads with 67% of workers admitting to drinking during work hours.
Following Alaska are Maine, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, with over half of their workforce indulging.
Nebraska ranks lowest, with only 13% of employees drinking during work hours.
States like Virginia, Louisiana, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Michigan show significant drinking habits among workers.

Read on to discover each state’s preferred alcoholic beverage and more survey insights!

Alcohol Consumption During Work Hours by State

State	Drink of Choice	Percentage Drinking During Work Hours
Alabama	Liquor	30%
Alaska	Liquor	67%
Arizona	Beer	36%
Arkansas	Liquor	16%
California	Liquor	34%
Colorado	Beer	41%
Connecticut	Beer	45%
Delaware	Liquor	50%
Florida	Liquor	29%
Georgia	Liquor	32%
Hawaii	Liquor	50%
Idaho	Liquor	43%
Illinois	Beer	41%
Indiana	Liquor	46%
Iowa	Liquor	30%
Kansas	Beer	25%
Kentucky	Liquor	43%
Louisiana	Wine	31%
Maine	Liquor	60%
Maryland	Liquor	36%
Massachusetts	Liquor	15%
Michigan	Wine	29%
Minnesota	Liquor	25%
Mississippi	Beer	50%
Missouri	Liquor	30%
Montana	Beer	29%
Nebraska	Beer	13%
Nevada	Liquor	50%
New Hampshire	Beer	25%
New Jersey	Beer	29%
New Mexico	Beer	56%
New York	Beer	37%
North Carolina	Beer	36%
North Dakota	Beer	20%
Ohio	Wine	29%
Oklahoma	Beer	51%
Oregon	Liquor	33%
Pennsylvania	Liquor	30%
Rhode Island	Beer	17%
South Carolina	Liquor	19%
South Dakota	Beer	16%
Tennessee	Liquor	36%
Texas	Liquor	36%
Utah	Liquor	21%
Vermont	Liquor	25%
Virginia	Wine	33%
Washington	Liquor	36%
West Virginia	Beer	36%
Wisconsin	Wine	30%
Wyoming	Liquor	25%

Methodology

Zippia.com conducted a national survey of 2,000 employees to understand their alcohol consumption habits in relation to their work environment.

Conclusion

The acceptability of drinking during work hours varies significantly by industry and company culture. While some workplaces, such as trendy startups, may embrace a casual drinking culture, professions like bus driving strictly prohibit alcohol consumption.

It’s crucial to maintain professionalism and avoid intoxication in any work setting, including after-hours events. Overindulging can jeopardize your professional reputation and career advancement.

Explore the table below for our detailed findings on alcohol consumption by state.

Author

Kathy Morris

Kathy is the head of content at Zippia with a knack for engaging audiences. Prior to joining Zippia, Kathy worked at Gateway Blend growing audiences across diverse brands. She graduated from Troy University with a degree in Social Science Education.

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Percent Of People Drinking At Work [Survey]

Percentage of Workers Consuming Alcohol During Work Hours [2026 Survey]

Alcohol Consumption During Work Hours by State

Methodology

Conclusion