Eight hours behind Greenwich Mean Time. Daylight Saving Time is observed from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October. Microsoft is generally a tie-free environment although its managers will occasionally dress up out of consideration for how they think you might dress. You may encounter such Pacific Rim customs as the immediate exchange of business cards and presentation of gifts. Always ask where you may smoke.
Smoking is almost never acceptable indoors, except in areas specifically designated for smoking.
Seattle streets are lined with people huddled in doorways, puffing on cigarettes. By law, larger restaurants have both smoking and non-smoking sections. Drinking is rare during daytime business gatherings. After hours, wine and beer tend to be more popular than hard liquor.