Mastodawn

I keep seeing articles like this, about how people choosing to drink less is hurting bars and restaurants, and it's almost always framed as people, especially younger generations, don't like to drink.

They never seem to bring up the fact that a cocktail is like $20 now unless you go to a really divey dive bar. It's the same kind of reporting they on how no one goes to the movies anymore. It's always about changing habits, and never that movie tickets just cost a lot now.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/16/dining/us-alcohol-restaurants.html

Dinner and No Drinks: Restaurants Are Struggling as Americans Drink Less

Traditionally a reliable revenue stream for restaurants, alcoholic drinks are down markedly — and the bottom line is, too.

The New York Times

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sidb

@MLE_online @lisamelton I volunteer at what’s basically a beer co-op that’s open to the public. No one gets paid (not even tips directly, those go to the bartender party fund), no owner takes a cut, no usurious landlord; it’s the cheapest bar in town, largely because there’s no profit motive. Standard beer is $1.25. And I know our numbers because I count and drop the till when we close—they’re very noticeably down since pre-pandemic. It isn’t *only* cost, there’s something bigger.

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Daniel Mar 18

@sidb @MLE_online @lisamelton at least here my region people tend to stay at home. Bars, venues and events are no more the usual places to socialise or let alone to get to know new people. Even at those places people seem to isolate themselves with their stupid phones. I am longing for a screen-free venue with people who are interested in getting to know new people.