I doubt ANZ can blame shiraz for traders allegedly manipulating the benchmark 10-year futures rate when ANZ managed a $14 billion government bond sale last year.

But it does shine a spotlight on the coincidence of various scandals, including harassment, with alcohol in the mix.

But there are plenty of companies, particularly large ones, where culture is an important centrepiece of their organisations. They target diversity, behaviour and respect for colleagues.

In a modern corporate culture, there is very limited tolerance for the long and boozy lunch.

In many instances, the remuneration packages of senior leaders can include cultural criteria. And money motivates.

In some companies, including this masthead’s owner, Nine Entertainment, the board and executives have come under pressure because of internal culture and behavioural missteps of former senior staff. Of course, poor workplace behaviour is not necessarily the result of alcohol, but it can be fuelled by it.

The evolution of corporate policies on culture, including drinking, is already following a societal shift in alcohol consumption. Numerous studies over the past 20 years have shown that people are drinking less alcohol.

A Commsec report from 2018 said total liquor consumption in Australia was at a 70-year low. It did spike during COVID lockdowns but returned to its trajectory afterwards.

During the most recent earnings results from the biggest owners of bottle shops in Australia, Endeavour and Coles both described the current environment as challenging. This, in part, reflects a cost-of-living crisis but also highlights a growing trend by younger people to drink less, particularly beer.

If NAB’s official guidelines are the tip of the iceberg, it does make one wonder of what lies in store for the office Christmas party.

The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.