BUSINESS MEMO: DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE

More companies are taking steps to prevent drinking and driving at the annual Christmas party.

A survey, conducted by Battalia Winston International, an executive search firm, found that 62 percent of companies will issue tax vouchers for use following company parties. The same companies will be placing "Don't Drink and Drive" signs at all dinner tables.

The same survey indicated that 22 percent of employers planning Christmas parties plan to ban alcohol at the annual parties.

In another finding, in the survey of 100 companies, 70 employers will pay for the entire holiday bash, 13 percent are asking employees to share the expense, and 17 companies are telling employees that if they want a Christmas party, the employees must pay the entire tab for it.