No one gets shit-faced and no one gets in trouble. I like to have an open forum where everyone can get the little things off their chest and pose the questions, comments or suggestions for the business. I find that it brings the work force closer together and can sometimes stop problems before they start. I also like to end the week on a friendly note and have all the guys feeling good about their jobs and ready to come back to work on Monday morning. I find it's good to talk about the mistakes made during the week and share with the group.
Beer seems to help.
I have no idea about the legalities involved, but I'm sure it's probably not politically correct. There are pro's and con's either way, but my shop is a family, and the Friday night beer is going to stay a part of the family. Encouraging your employees to drink at work and providing the beer for them is like giving them a loaded gun. It takes only one mishap and you have opened yourself up for financial disaster. Compromising your business in any manner is planning to fail.