Addressing Alcoholism in the California Workplace

Seyfarth Synopsis: It has long been clear that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California law protect employees who suffer from alcoholism if it qualifies as a “disability.” Although courts have recognized the right of an employer to have legitimate work rules that prohibit alcohol use in the workplace, the line between having a protected disability and engaging in unprotected conduct is not always clear. The distinction is critical because protected alcoholics may be entitled to reasonable accommodations and leaves of absence under federal and state laws.

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