Alcohol abuse

Case study

Guy Melliard is the owner of a relatively new and popular restaurant in Manchester. Recently, he has become increasingly concerned about the erratic behaviour of his head chef, John MacDonald.

MacDonald joined the restaurant about 12 months ago and initially seemed to be a great asset. However, soon after he joined, his timekeeping became poor and his absences increased dramatically.

Melliard also noticed that MacDonald often looked unwell. He appeared tired and drawn and could be very irritable. There have been a few complaints about his behaviour from other staff.

Melliard has spoken to MacDonald about his disruptive behaviour on a couple of occasions. MacDonald has been very vague about the reasons for his poor timekeeping and mood swings.

Melliard came to the end of his tether last week. MacDonald was late for work again. Later in the day, Melliard went to see MacDonald in the kitchen to discuss his late start. Melliard found MacDonald at the back of the kitchen polishing off a bottle of wine.

Melliard has always been very strict about not drinking while on duty (he is aware of his health and safety obligations) and dismissed MacDonald on the spot.

MacDonald is now complaining that he has been treated unfairly. Melliard feels that, in all the circumstances, he handled the situation well.

In the past, Melliard has sacked other employees found drinking while on duty, so he has to treat MacDonald in the same way to be seen to be acting fairly.

This case study is a work of fiction and consequently the names, characters and incidents portrayed in the article are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.