Drinking Thread: Three Sheets To The Wind

[dxmnkd316]

My BIL’s bar in Maplewood was charged almost $29k to renew his liquor license this year. I can’t imagine why the fee is for the big cities.

That doesn't make sense. St Paul is around 5k for a 180+ seat restaurant

[St. Clown]

I remember seeing tidbits about the non-alcohol bars in NYC and one here in Chicago pop up before the pandemic. It was definitely spun as a hipster thing for those venues (probably LGBTQ friendly, but not totally geared to them). If the owners can make a go of the place, good on them!

I also wonder how much being booze free saves on the back end of the books... I'm sure liquor licenses and insurance are a good chunk of change...

My BIL’s bar in Maplewood was charged almost $29k to renew his liquor license this year. I can’t imagine why the fee is for the big cities.

[dxmnkd316]

I remember seeing tidbits about the non-alcohol bars in NYC and one here in Chicago pop up before the pandemic. It was definitely spun as a hipster thing for those venues (probably LGBTQ friendly, but not totally geared to them). If the owners can make a go of the place, good on them!

I also wonder how much being booze free saves on the back end of the books... I'm sure liquor licenses and insurance are a good chunk of change...

Not much. If the cost of a license breaks your bank, you were never going to survive. (Except for PA, which is the dumbest possible law)
https://ballotpedia.org/Liquor_licen...by_state,_2018

Insurance, OTOH, I have no idea.

[RaceBoarder]

I remember seeing tidbits about the non-alcohol bars in NYC and one here in Chicago pop up before the pandemic. It was definitely spun as a hipster thing for those venues (probably LGBTQ friendly, but not totally geared to them). If the owners can make a go of the place, good on them!

I also wonder how much being booze free saves on the back end of the books... I'm sure liquor licenses and insurance are a good chunk of change...

[dxmnkd316]

So, what's your solution?

I don't have one. I'm saying you could be right and I'm acknowledging there may be a market for that night club.

My original posts were based on general models of after dark establishments. I notice that a lot of places that don't sell alcohol in the evening tend to not do well. Most movie theaters I've been to prepandemic serve or were looking to add hooch, for example. Certainly not all businesses open after dark that don't serve alcohol will fail (Taco Bell, coffee shops, etc.) I've just never heard anyone ask "Do you know of any places we could go that don't serve alcohol?" But that's not my demo, so...

There could be a market. There could be a huge market. I have no idea. and even if there's even a small market, it's absolutely possible that an establishment will do great if it can corner that market. Especially if they are good at whatever product or service they offer.

The basic "research" I did after my post was that these establishments exist, have been growing in popularity in some respects, but struggle long term and often add alcohol as an option.

But it's a growing segment. Whether it's here to stay is tbd. I wish the project the best of luck.

[Kepler]

The 3 Types of Bars:

• Drunk tanks
• The Big Game
• Meat markets

Only one requires booze. So you can get people in the door but you need another way to fleece them than $8 for an 80 cent drink.

[dxmnkd316]

Could be

[MissThundercat]

Yeah. I'm just wondering how many people are willing to regularly pay enough for non-alcoholic drinks to keep a place open.

Based on what I went to Saturday, more than you think.

[dxmnkd316]

If you do it right, it's feasible. The mocktails have to be a little more sophisticated than just sodas and juices, but we're talking about a prospective LGBTQ club here so I'm sure they're aware of their audience.

Yeah. I'm just wondering how many people are willing to regularly pay enough for non-alcoholic drinks to keep a place open.

[FadeToBlack&Gold]

Question: how on earth are they going to make money?

If you do it right, it's feasible. The mocktails have to be a little more sophisticated than just sodas and juices, but we're talking about a prospective LGBTQ club here so I'm sure they're aware of their audience.

[MissThundercat]

Grand Rapids is known as Beer City, with several mediocre breweries popping up each month.

As such, lots of recovering alcoholics.

Those of us in the LGBT community, and GR has a thriving LGBT population, are prone to higher rates of alcohol and substance use due to the mere act of living.

Us sober queers have been wanting a place to go that's not a "family" establishment or a meeting on weekends. There's a need and a demand.

And the person who has the vision knows their **** and surrounded themselves with a good team.

[MissThundercat]

Question: how on earth are they going to make money?

Right now, lots of previews and fundraising. If the turnout for the previews are any indication, they will make a lot of money.

[dxmnkd316]

Question: how on earth are they going to make money?

[MissThundercat]

One thing coming to the GR area sometime next year, pending funds, is a dry LGBT nightclub. Mocktails and entertainment without the pressure of booze.

Because it sucks when you want to go out with your girls on Friday and your only options are water and Diet Coke. That there's nothing to meet your needs that isn't a "family" establishment.

[dxmnkd316]

So here's a random, odd question...does alcohol go bad once it's opened?

Yes. In a way. The good stuff oxidizes. Unless it's cheap and aggressively flavored.

A few interesting anecdotes. I've had a bottle of glenmorangie 18 for about 8 years now. Taste has improved over time despite being open.

The bottle of Kraken we finished last week has been open since college. Tasted great still.