Research from the US indicates that social drinkers earn, on average, up to 14 per cent more than teetotallers in the same profession, with women benefiting more than men.

Drinkers partial to an after-work pint may have an advantage in many workplaces because they are usually more outgoing and gregarious and use their ability to mix well to great effect at work.

By drinking moderately outside the office they are also more likely to socialise with managers, colleagues and clients, building contacts and relationships as a result, researchers from San José State University, California, suggest.

Women who go for a social drink after work will, on average, earn 14 per cent more than female colleagues who do not, while male social drinkers can expect to earn about 10 per cent more.

Teetotallers, meanwhile, fail to build up “social capital” by avoiding the occasional drink after work, the study published in the US Journal of Labor Research said.

Edward Stringham, a coauthor of the study, said that heavy drinking and alcoholism had a dangerous effect on people’s lives, but that moderate drinking was shown to make some people more successful.

“Social drinking builds social capital. Social drinkers are out networking, building relationships, and adding contacts to their BlackBerries that result in bigger pay cheques,” he said.

“Drinkers typically tend to be more social than abstainers. Drinkers may be able to socialise more with clients and co-workers, giving drinkers an advantage in important relationships.”

He added: “Drinking may also provide individuals with opportunities to learn people, business and social skills.”

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