Does Red Lobster Drug Test? What Employees Need to Know

Getting a job at Red Lobster can be exciting. With over 700 locations across the globe, it’s one of the world’s largest casual dining seafood restaurant chains. But before you submit your application you may be wondering – does Red Lobster drug test?

This is an important question to have answered. Failing a drug test could cost you the job And even if the chain doesn’t test across all locations, specific franchises may have their own policies.

So let’s take a closer look at Red Lobster’s drug testing policies so you know what to expect during the hiring process.

An Overview of Red Lobster’s Drug Testing Policy

Red Lobster does not have a universal drug testing policy that applies to all locations. Drug screening is left to the discretion of individual franchise owners and operators.

However, most Red Lobster restaurants do not routinely perform drug tests on job applicants. Pre-employment testing is uncommon.

The exception is when applying for management positions. Applicants for manager roles are more likely to be tested for substance use. Testing is more frequently required at the corporate-owned locations as well.

For the average hourly worker position as a server, host, cook, etc – pre-employment drug screening is rare. But it’s not guaranteed and policies can vary. Some franchises in certain states do require it.

In other words – you may or may not have to take a drug test to start working at Red Lobster. It depends on the specific location and position. Don’t assume you’re in the clear.

When Employee Drug Testing May Occur

While pre-employment drug tests are irregular at Red Lobster, there are other instances when current employees may be required to undergo screening.

Here are some examples of when Red Lobster workers may face drug testing:

• After accidents: Employees involved in on-the-job accidents may be asked to submit to a drug test. This includes incidents that result in injury or property damage. A positive test could indicate drug use was a factor in the accident.

• Reasonable suspicion: Employees will be tested if management has reasonable suspicion of intoxication or being under the influence while working. Observing signs like slurred speech, lack of coordination, aggressive behavior or the smell of alcohol can prompt a test.

• Random testing: Some Red Lobster franchises implement random drug screening of current employees, particularly for safety-sensitive positions. Workers are selected at random and given no advance notice.

• Before promotions: Candidates for promotion to managerial roles may have to take a drug test first. This is more common at corporate-owned locations.

The consequences for failing a drug test administered for any of these reasons could range from mandatory counseling to immediate termination of employment.

Substances Tested for in Screening

Red Lobster uses urine drug tests to detect recent use of the following illegal drugs and misused prescription medications:

• Marijuana
• Cocaine
• Opiates like heroin and morphine
• Amphetamines like methamphetamine
• Phencyclidine (PCP)

These standard 5-panel tests cannot detect occasional marijuana use beyond 2-7 days. But chronic heavy use of cannabis can be detected for a month or more.

In some states where marijuana is legal, employees may test positive without facing consequences. But not all franchises observe these laws.

For management applicants, an expanded 10-panel urine test may include:

• Barbiturates
• Benzodiazepines
• Methaqualone
• Methadone
• Propoxyphene

Blood tests are rarely used but can detect substance use for longer periods of time. Hair follicle testing is also uncommon but identifies drug use for up to 90 days.

Tips To Pass a Red Lobster Drug Test

Since some locations do require testing, it’s wise to be prepared. Here are some tips to help you pass a urine, blood or hair drug test at Red Lobster:

• Avoid drug use for 1-3 months before applying or transferring to a new restaurant. This is the only guaranteed way to pass. Hair testing requires the longest abstinence.

• Get clean urine from a friend or purchase synthetic urine if marijuana was only used sporadically. Use the substitute sample during your test.

• Drink extra fluids starting 2-3 days before the test to dilute your urine. Take B vitamins to add color back to clear pee.

• Use detox kits and drinks that claim to provide several hours of clean urine by flushing out drug residues. However, their effectiveness can vary greatly.

With some preparation using these tactics, you can minimize anxiety and pass a surprise drug screening at your Red Lobster location. But staying completely sober before applying is the smartest approach.

Final Thoughts

While pre-employment drug testing is not mandatory company-wide, some Red Lobster franchises do screen job applicants and employees under certain conditions. Positions in management are most likely to face testing.

It’s impossible to know their policy for sure without asking directly. If taking a drug test is a concern for you, contact the hiring manager to learn about that specific restaurant’s requirements.

And if you want the job badly enough, consider ceasing all substance use for up to several months beforehand. That will guarantee you have the best chance of starting your Red Lobster career on the right foot.