This is my first time posting so I will do my best to follow the format I've seen thus far.
TLDR: see the title of this post 🙂
I work as a server/bartender in a small town that survives on tourism. A month ago I went to work drunk, was sent home, written up, but not terminated. Absolutely 100% I was in the wrong. I was ashamed, apologized profusely and said it wouldn't happen again.
A week ago we had a mandatory FOH (front of house) team meeting starting at 9am in which there was a bar demonstration so that all staff would make the cocktails correctly. Anyone who didn't have to clock on immediately for the lunch shift was welcome to drink the cocktails. I clocked on at 4pm that day and was sober when I clocked on. However, after the meeting I went to brunch with a couple of colleagues, one of which was about to clock on at noon, and we each had two bloody marys. She stated she was trying to catch a buzz before work (this might be completely irrelevant).
A couple of days ago I had a horrible day of fighting with my boyfriend (ie, crying). I went to lunch with some girlfriends and had two mimosas at noon. I didn't go in to work until 5. My girlfriends came over after lunch and we drank alcohol free beers (thank you Athletic Brewing!). I hadn't eaten much because I was so anxious and upset.
I should also note that I am less than a year in remission from cancer treatments and am on some serious maintenance treatment drugs that have put me in chemical menopause. I'm having horrible side effects from these drugs that are keeping me alive. I started a new prescription less than a week ago to help with those side effects; it's a controlled substance and I'm still learning how it affects me. But it's strong. Basically I needed to eat. I had actually already ordered some food when she pulled me into the office and sent me home. She was extremely aggressive about it, too. I tried to tell her I was not intoxicated. She said I was, she had already made the call, and I needed to leave ASAP.
She accused me of smelling like alcohol, having bloodshot eyes, and my face was drooping. When I left the restaurant I went straight home to my boyfriend who I hadn't spoken to all day (because of said argument) and asked him to smell me. He was so confused as to why. I didn't smell like alcohol or anything else. I then spent half an hour tracking down a breathalyzer (the bars all used to sell them, but apparently that was a fad). I clocked out at 5:30pm and have a video of taking the breathalyzer at 6:07pm. I blew a .02.
The woman who accused me of being intoxicated is about 3 months sober because she is on her 3rd DUI and is court ordered to attend AA among various other appointments. She has had to miss work to serve jail time. It seems like she is now “holier than thou” and is looking to throw people under the bus.
There is another colleague of mine that has come in to work extremely drunk several times, one time of which I was there for. I learned later they covered it up so the owners have no idea about her, only about me.
I have already contacted an employment/labor lawyer office and have an intake meeting tomorrow morning. I still wanted to hear what you all might have to say. Will update as appropriate.