> Alcohol should not be a key factor for people to network and have fun, especially in professional spaces.

It's not called "social lubricant" for nothing.

While we're far and away from the Madmen era all day drinkathons, it is certainly acceptable in professional spaces and capacities for a little alcohol to be shared.

It's certainly not required, but I wouldn't say it's unprofessional to have a couple drinks at a professional event offering them.

I go on nature hikes during work less often than I drink during work.

The only 'hike' I've ever seen in a professional office setting was when the department rented out a movie theater and my boss decided that we'd walk a mile together to get to the theater. Of course that was more of an urban stroll than a nature hike. Is watching Tron Legacy a legitimate part of a professional environment? It was that day.

Bars almost always have alternative options or food, unlike physical activities