Event planners said serving alcohol at a company event raises liability issues and can also alienate non-drinkers.

"Alcohol just doesn't seem to be as big of a focus as it once was," said Richard Carbotti, president of Perfect Surroundings Inc., a special-events design and production company in Newport, R.I.

Carbotti said that companies that continue to serve alcohol at events have cut out the hard liquor and offer only beer, wine and champagne. Others just offer one or two free drinks to employees, rather than an open bar.

To address liability issues, John Bowen of Beacon Entertainment in Andover, Mass., said companies that serve alcohol at events often provide transportation.

"That covers them legally," Bowen said. "They're able to say, 'We provided transportation and made sure our employees got to and from the party safely.'"

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