In Britain, A Respected, If Rowdy, Holiday Ritual: Office Parties Known For Booze, Brawls
By Mary Jordan and Kevin Sullivan The British office party has become legendary for massive alcohol consumption that leads fistfights, firings and indiscretions. The two weeks leading up to December 25 have become so predictably raucous and turbulent that the ambulance service has a special medical vehicle to patrol the streets, known as the booze bus or Vomit Comit. While many Brits defend the tradition with patriotic zeal, others who do not consume alcohol, such as practicing Muslims, are on the margins. Some have brought lawsuits.