I'm always the operator, and I never drink on the boat. Don't know if I would if I was the back of the boat guy either. I'm also not going to jump on a high horse and tell you how bad you are for having a beer, as long as you aren't the driver. My buddy got a bit tipsy on the boat on his birthday this year, and I'll tell you, that was one of the most fun days we've had fishing.
There is absolutely nothing better than cold beer on a 135 degree day!