Three-Martini Lunch Law and Legal Definition
The three-martini lunch is a term to describe a leisurely, indulgent lunch enjoyed by businessmen or executives. This was claimed as tax-deductible business expenses. It later became a symbol for business extravagance and resulted in 1993 tax act provisions making only 50% of the cost of business meals deductible for tax purposes. At present three martini lunch is no longer common practice as many companies have adopted "fitness for duty" programs. Moreover, the increased criminalization of alcohol misuse, less availability of leisure time for business executives, and the social stigma attached to drinking during the day has also added to decrease in popularity of three-martini lunch.
