Haha yeah, there's no way I'd let any of the outside folks I work with pay for dinner. I've had a few folks offer me lunch because their company allows them to spring for sandwiches or whatever for visitors if the meeting is close to lunch. Those guys always seem so dejected because me declining usually means they don't get to order for the rest of the office.

State government employee here. I am legally prohibited from accepting anything from anyone above a "nominal value" (usually about $5). There are exceptions, like for example if there's a coffee machine in the lobby that anyone can access it's fair game, or if they're handing out pens or something at a conference to anyone who asks.

If I'm asked to speak and offered a honorarium (which is standard for speakers in a lot of situations) it must be reviewed by our ethics attorney for any potential conflicts before I can accept.

If someone mails me a fruit basket or something for Christmas or whatever (it's never happened) I'm supposed to return it, or if they won't take it back it becomes community property in the break room.

They take this stuff very seriously, and we do too. Most of us won't even accept the free cup of coffee even though we legally could.