What is the primary condition under which consumption of liquor by employees is allowed after closing hours?

The primary condition under which employees are allowed to consume liquor after closing hours is when they have the owner's blessing. This reflects a management prerogative and responsibility; the owner has discretion over the actions that take place within their establishment, including any after-hours consumption of alcohol by employees. This policy helps ensure that the consumption is carried out respectfully and in accordance with the establishment’s values, as well as complying with any local laws or regulations that govern alcohol consumption practices.

The other conditions listed do not adequately address the overarching authority of the owner in this matter. For instance, simply having a customer present does not inherently justify employees consuming alcohol, as it does not align with operational protocols. Consuming alcohol before the establishment closes suggests depersonalizing the responsibility of the owner while events often require specific planning and permissions that go beyond just allowing casual consumption. Therefore, having the owner's explicit approval is the safest and most contextually appropriate guideline for managing employee alcohol consumption after hours.