Its like anything else, some people can't handle having a beer no matter where they are, and they are usually the last ones to realize that. If your not one of those people, and you can be responsable and not get drunk and drive or throw cans all over the place it should be no problem. In many years of fishing I have pretty much figured out who I can take out in my boat and who to leave home. Some guys use fishing as an excuse to drink.. same guys get drunk when they golf or watch T.V.. or anything they do. It has been an observation that drunk people do and say things that they normaly would not. Like step on one of your poles. Bottom line, its up to you.