I understand your reasoning -- several of my family members have DUIs, and it genuinely a life-limiting thing! If you were ever to have a second one, it would be even worse.
I also agree that sometimes you need to be social at work; that is, you need to play the game, show that you're one of the team. I don't personally work in a place where that's an expectation, but my husband does.
However, I agree with the person who asks, No driving for how long? If you drink one beer (or maybe don't even finish it, though that's rather wasteful), eat an appetizer, and then socialize for 1-2 hours . . . is that "enough time"?
I also think the idea of getting one drink that LOOKS like alcohol could make you feel more comfortable.
The one thing mentioned thusfar that I cannot agree with is the idea of simply stating the truth: I've had one DUI, and I don't want another. While truthfulness is almost always a good thing, I don't think that's something to spread around the workplace. I'd want to keep that to myself, especially among people who could have a hand in whether you're promoted /get a raise.