Is an alcohol free bar a stupid idea?

[Anonymous]

I think this is absolutely the stupidest thing/idea I’ve ever come across. Apparently one is opening in Austin Texas. What are your thoughts?

[AmandaYVR]

Some people would like it. But I wouldn't go. Not at night, anyway. I might just consider it a day-lunch place. But then they better have good food, or forget about it.

Alcohol, though causing problems sometimes, is a social lubricant. People finally loosen up and are more amenable and entertainable. (Yeah I'm making up a word.)

There's probably a bunch of people out there who don't drink (those numbers are rising), but it's the drinkers which make bars and restaurants the money. So take that way, it's just another restaurant. But I guess you're saying bar, and that means no food? Sounds boring to me. If I go to the bother of getting dressed to go out at night, I want food and drinks. And stimulating conversation. That can happen over coffee too, but I can't drink caffeine much these days, and no way at night, so how else are we goona liven up the joint?

[Anonymous]

I read an article about alcohol free bars a couple of years ago, and as a non drinker myself who has never had alcohol in my life, I rather like the idea that this exists. Yes, it's not really a traditional bar per se, but the idea is to have that same kind of atmosphere...just without alcohol. Restaurants and bars aren't exactly always the same vibes. It's good for sober people, those who abstain, or those that just want to keep a clear head for the night. Bonus, you're always okay to drive home afterwards.

[molonski2]

The idea itself is great , BUT can they survive? Now we are talking USA so anything is possible via weight of numbers etc , now lets not forget your initial comment ( stupid ) people said this about non smoking bars years ago , you know first EVER non smoking bar I went to was in LA , now that's virtually every bar , the move of a non drinking bar , sends a message about alcohol itself , and it is pretty dangerous stuff..

Its saying its a social venue , for people who dont drink , and they won't be harassed by drunk slobs , spitting , and speaking bs , yelling , anti - social etc etc , I hope it can work , probably won't but , coffee places work so who knows.

Sadly ( for what its worth ) I do drink -- but I like the idea , that entertainment / meeting place does not have to involve alcohol.

[Philyouup]

i had the pleasure to tast some of the mock alcohols over the weekend. i was doubtful but open minded.


while not what i expected, i was somewhat impressed. i am a fan of sitting ans irish whiskey, i love it strait up ans on the rocks. mixed, as well as just water added.


these mockahol was reminiscent of a whisky and water. , it offered that warming feeling as it slid down me gullet. i’m mixed drinks, i was some what more
mildly surprised , as some drinks left me wondering if i was slipped the real thing. lol.


i would call them dead ringers, but they were enjoyable. If your looking to get shit faced, this won’t be your thing. ,

[Cynicaldreamer]

No, if anything I think that's great!

I know this is hard to believe, but not everyone likes or wants to drink or be around it (especially recovering alcoholics).
Yet we still want a fun place to hang out without alcohol. I'd love a place to hang out, eat, play pool or games, mingle, and not have drinks around.

Again, that's just me, but I'm sure others would happily attend as well.

[Goforit1010]

Actually, in TX, there are several counties that are considered "dry" counties. They're not allowed to sell alcohol at a bar. HOWEVER... you ARE allowed to buy your own alcohol 🍸 (at a liquor store, a grocery store, wherever), bring it in, and drink it there.

I came across this one time when I was in Greenville, TX several years ago. I don't make their rules/laws, but if you're there, you're stuck with them.

[TheSpaceGnome]

I think it's a great idea, I hate alcohol and I don't get along with drinkers, so normal bars are pointless to me, an alcohol free one might have other non drinkers there I can make friends with. But I'd only go if the food was good or they had arcade cabinets.

[Moose304]

Texas has some weird alcohol laws. I think limiting your drinks to no alcohol is a bit shortsighted. One of my good friends is an alcoholic but loves the bar scene. She drinks things like apple juice or maybe a Shirley Temple if she can find a barkeep that knows how to make it correctly. Is this stupid? Well, I guess that will be determined by their business after opening. The business model looks a bit weird, but who knows?

[DeeDeeDeVour]

There are those who are trying to quit or have already quit drinking alcoholic beverages but miss and/or crave the taste of alcoholic beverages they used to enjoy. Maybe such a bar might suit them well.

[jennifer_bloom]

A lot of people avoid alcohol, either they have addiction in their family they are trying to get past, they are under age, they are religious and can't drink, or they are pregnant. This is a wonderful idea.

[Sirenboobzilla]

It might sound stupid, but for those who are sober but want to be in a bar environment without the temptation of alcohol this has to be a delight

[FunkyMonkee]

Why would I want a bar stocked with booze? I don't drink the shit!!

And, haven't you ever heard of a soda shop? It's got a bar that only serves SOFT drinks. They've been around for at least 100 years.

[bolverk]

There were 'Temperance' bars all over the UK promoted by the Methodist church, the last temperance bar "Mr Fitzpatrick’s" is in Rawtenstall, East Lancashire, and are selling their cordials by mail order to reach a wider audience.

[Babybebe15]

I think it’s a great idea. I don’t drink and neither do any of my friends so that would be really fun for us to go hang out somewhere like that.

[Subarugirl]

I don't think it's stupid at all, its great for those who are sober or don't want to drink but still want to be in a bar like environment.

[Sirenboobzilla]

This!

[FckY0u998]

@Subarugirl that's exactly what i said

[Nikki1989]

Not everyone likes alcohol, but some people still like the bar environment.

[DaySpring]

I'd have to hear both sides of the story
and more about those types of bars

[OfDeath]

What drinks would they serve? Juice, water and soda? Maybe coffee? How is it any different to a cafe?

[Asker]

My point exactly

[Subarugirl]

Ever heard of a mocktail… apparently not

[erin_ireland]

In Europe they're called coffee shops☺️

[Asker]

You live in Ireland?

[erin_ireland]

Dublin, yes

[Asker]

On my bucket list of places to see

[erin_ireland]

Defo, is a nice place to visit. Bring an umbrella with you, though 😊

[Asker]

Lol. Does it get hot there?

[erin_ireland]

Rainy

[exitseven]

It is a really stupid idea. Especially in Texas.

[AndrésC64]

Dumb. The only reason to drink beer is for the alcohol. Nobody really loves the taste, so if you take away the alcohol...

[MysticDevice]

It would give minors somewhere to go and something to do other than vandalize and do drugs.

[TroyDT2]

Sounds like a place where talented local bands with minors could play.

[MrJMM]

For someone who even hasn’t tasted alcohol yet or doesn’t want to drink alcohol at all, I like this idea.

[Iron_Man]

What is it like drinking beer without the alcohol

[nawtee_me]

Not for the person that likes the taste but is a designated driver.

[nawtee_me]

Okay, misread and thought you were talking about non alcoholic beer.

[Part2603]

Yeah, they're called Starbucks.

[Anonymous]

no not a stupid idea it's actually a great idea. a lot of sober people want to go to bars and mingle or just to drink and get out for a while

[SaoirseS]

Why is it a stupid idea?

[Asker]

It’s a restaurant at that point…. Why not just go to a restaurant?

[DermalPunch]

No, it isn't just a restaurant. The Mocktail market is big. People want to sample different flavor blends. Women like pretty drinks. It's a niche.

[zagor]

That's pretty much a Starbuck's.

[OlderAndWiser]

Austin is a weird town so it might work there.

[dustybiker]

I think only time will tell.

[TacosRAwesome]

It's an interesting concept.

[Jamie05rhs]

If it is successful, I may open one myself!

[SmokinAces2000]

What is going to serve? Soda?

[Joker_]

free alcohol bar is a good idea

[Aiko_E_Lara]

I don't see what the problem is.

[Zolly99999]

I'd go to it.. I don't drink...

[Anonymous]

Good for minors I suppose.

[Subarugirl]

And pregnant women, people who are sober, or people who just don’t feel like they need to get drunk to enjoy a good time

[snowboarder720]

So it’s a soda shop…

[curlyfirecracker]

yes.

[curlyfirecracker]

... to clarify, it could be a steppingstone to encourage drinking either way. If there are those that are trying to stay sober, it tends to not work that well to keep them from not drinking. As far as underage, they don't want that, and it just tempts for the real thing. They will try to figure out how to get genuine liquor.

[jamartheg]

Yes very bad very silly idea