Q. Can I join an office New Year party if I seat together with other frum co-workers and we are served kosher food and kosher wine? Usually a sizable bonus is given to the ones who attend.
A. On question 694 in regards to attending at least for a short time a New Years party organized by the company one works, when only the drinks are kosher. If he would hate to be the only employee not attending. We wrote; Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that you may attend for a short while, however only soft drinks are permitted and no liquor or alcoholic beverages should be consumed in their company. (Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 114: 1. See also Aruch Hashulchan ibid. and Shevet Halevy Y.D. 43, in regards to expensive drinks.).
Likewise, in this case, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one may attend. But should see to exit the earliest time viable for receiving his bonus. However, as above, no kosher wine or alcoholic drinks are permitted.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a