How to decide whether to attend a boozy 'do'

our rule is not to avoid a place where there is drinking,
IF we have a legitimate reason for being there. (p101, AA Big Book)

That includes bars, nightclubs, dances, receptions, weddings, even plain ordinary whoopee parties.
To a person who has had experience with an alcoholic,
This may seem like tempting Providence, but it isn't.

You will note that we made and important qualification. (p101, AA Big Book)

Therefore, ask yourself on each occasion,
1. "Have I any good social, business, or personal reason for going to this place?
2. Or am I expecting to steal a little vicarious pleasure from the atmosphere of such places?"
If you answer these questions satisfactorily, you need have no apprehension.
* Go or stay away, whichever seems best.
1. But be sure you are on solid spiritual ground before you start
2. and that your motive in going is thoroughly good.
3. Do not think of what you will get out of the occasion.
4. Think of what you can bring to it.
5. But if you are shaky, you had better work with another alcoholic instead! (p102, AA Big Book)

Why sit with a long face in places where there is drinking, sighing about the good old days. (p102, AA Big Book)

If it is a happy occasion, try to increase the pleasure of those there;
if a business occasion, go and attend to your business enthusiastically.
If you are with a person who wants to eat in a bar, by all means go along.
Let your friends know they are not to change their habits on your account. (p102, AA Big Book)

At a proper time and place explain to all your friends why alcohol disagrees with you.
If you do this thoroughly, few people will ask you to drink. (p102, AA Big Book)

While you were drinking, you were withdrawing from life little by little.
Now you are getting back into the social life of this world.
Don't start to withdraw again just because your friends drink liquor.(p102, AA Big Book)

Your job now is to be at the place where you may be of maximum helpfulness to others,
so never hesitate to go anywhere if you can be helpful.
You should not hesitate to visit the most sordid spot on earth on such an errand. (p102, AA Big Book)

Keep on the firing line of life with these motives and God will keep you unharmed. (p102, AA Big Book)