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Original poster

I went to an alcohol free social event last night

39 replies

LegendaryReady · 04/09/2021 18:12

I don't know, is that unusual? Most people I know I wouldn't go to a dance/quiz/band if there was no alcohol on offer.

I don't think I have a problem with alcohol, in that I can go days or weeks without any, but I do struggle without Dutch courage in social situations and when I drink I drink too much. I'm a happy drunk, I don't think I cause anyone any bother and I don't get messy, but I don't like the hangovers.

Anyway, this event was organised by a recovering alcoholic who saw there was nowhere for people like him to go for a night out and be "safe". It was attended by a mixture of people with real alcohol demons and people who just want to enjoy more of life alcohol free.

A real mix of people. The organiser happens to be gay so there were quite a few gay and lesbian people, people of all ages, heavily tattooed middle aged men and Boden clad mums 😆

I had a great time and didn't miss the drink at all, but I'd have found it really hard not to drink at a similar event where people were drinking.

The only problem is my friends would think I'm mad, if I go again I'll have to go on my own, which is part of why I went, to meet people who don't need a drink on a night out.

But what a great thing for someone who reached rock bottom to be doing. These are regular weekly events.

OP posts:
doadeer · 04/09/2021 18:16

This is amazing.

I used to be a heavy drinker but after being on lots of medication and having a baby I can't handle it. I can have one small glass of wine but that's difficult on a night out when everyone wants to share bottles of wine. I would definitely go to something like this

Whiskyinajar · 04/09/2021 18:20

Is this Southernd Sober Socials? Or a new one.

The Southend one is brilliant.

TowelStripes · 04/09/2021 18:21

Is this in Southend-on-Sea? Great idea.

vampirethriller · 04/09/2021 18:21

I'd love something like that. I've been sober for nearly 7 years now and it's hard to find anything that isn't based around alcohol. Even though people know I was an alcoholic, they still offer me a drink and try to get me to join in.

EnjoyingTheSilence · 04/09/2021 18:24

Great idea. Think there are many of us who could do with something similar!!

Glad you had a good time and don’t worry about what others might say

elizabethdraper · 04/09/2021 18:26

Dublin has an alcohol free bar called the virgin mary.

Exactly the same atmosphere as a normal bar but with alcohol free drinks.

I have had some great night's in there

LawnFever · 04/09/2021 18:28

Such a great idea, hope this takes off in more areas

Dee1975 · 04/09/2021 18:29

Sounds like a great idea. I’d go to one.

Rainbows89 · 04/09/2021 18:30

This sounds awesome - I would love this!

Original poster
LegendaryReady · 04/09/2021 18:35

Yes, Southend! What a shame it's so identifiable because there aren't similar events elsewhere.

This is how I heard of it

[[BBC News - Southend Sober Socials: 'You can have a blast without the booze'
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-58173941]]

OP posts:
nowwhat50 · 04/09/2021 18:35

I need to know where this is please! My DH is an ex alcoholic and would love this kind of night out.

Original poster
LegendaryReady · 04/09/2021 18:39

I've no idea what I did wrong with that link but a search on the BBC news website will find it.

OP posts:
MrsRobbieHart · 04/09/2021 18:42

What a brilliant idea. I’m not a big drinker so I often go out and don’t drink, offer to be designated driver etc so this sort of thing wouldn’t be weird for me at all.

AlternativePerspective · 04/09/2021 18:46

This is an excellent idea. Alcohol is far too normalised in society, with talk of wine o’clock, happy hour etc. People need to realise that it’s entirely possible to have a decent night out without alcohol and that no-one needs alcohol to enjoy themselves.

Having said that, I went to an alcohol free wedding once, and that was a bit of a strange experience. I’m not entirely sure whether it was the lack of alcohol though or the fact that it was in a church hall, with a buffet consisting of some crisps and sausage rolls, with people having the choice of coke or grape juice for the toast.

I’m teetotal, but even I found that a tad strange.

InFiveMins · 04/09/2021 18:51

There's a bar very near to me that is completely alcohol free. It is very popular, always plenty of people there, but I haven't been. I feel weird about the idea of going out somewhere in the evening 'for a few drinks' and not drinking alcohol. I'm going to give it a go though.

FlamingGoat · 04/09/2021 18:57

@InFiveMins

There's a bar very near to me that is completely alcohol free. It is very popular, always plenty of people there, but I haven't been. I feel weird about the idea of going out somewhere in the evening 'for a few drinks' and not drinking alcohol. I'm going to give it a go though.
Why would you feel weird? Is it the social aspect of getting merry/drunk and the expectations of others? I have been AF for 3.5 years now . I did lose a lot of friends along the way though.
I went to an alcohol free social event last night
ISpyCobraKai · 04/09/2021 19:01

I've wondered about going to one but I'd be alone, and they always seem to be at clubbing time, like 11pm which is too late for me really.
That makes me sound so boring, I like to have a good time, just but earlier!

ISpyCobraKai · 04/09/2021 19:05

@FlamingGoat.
Now that sort of thing would make me uncomfortable.
I'm not anti alcohol, I do drink, but would like a fun evening without alcohol being involved.

Original poster
LegendaryReady · 04/09/2021 19:06

@ISpyCobraKai

I've wondered about going to one but I'd be alone, and they always seem to be at clubbing time, like 11pm which is too late for me really. That makes me sound so boring, I like to have a good time, just but earlier!
I went alone, people were very friendly and I was home by 11pm!

It was also a whole different night out financially. I spent £15 all in Grin

OP posts:
ISpyCobraKai · 04/09/2021 19:08

Did that include chips?Grin

pickledsausage · 04/09/2021 19:17

Sober Girl Society also does meet ups, many London based but worth a look.

SwedishEdith · 04/09/2021 19:17

What do people actually drink at these events? For me, non-alcoholic drinks last all night because you don't need to drink that much. So, can these events be as profitable long-term if not selling alcohol? Do they have to offer something else as well?

BikeRunSki · 04/09/2021 19:23

One of my parents is a member of AA, when I lived at home we used to go to some amazing alcohol-free parties!! So glad you enjoyed your night @LegendaryReady.

DH and I once stayed in a Temperance Inn in Cumbria. It was quite dour! Tempered of fun as well as alcohol. Amazing food though.

Original poster
LegendaryReady · 04/09/2021 19:27

@SwedishEdith

What do people actually drink at these events? For me, non-alcoholic drinks last all night because you don't need to drink that much. So, can these events be as profitable long-term if not selling alcohol? Do they have to offer something else as well?
This one was a comedy night, £10 tickets. It's not designed to be profitable I don't think, just cover costs.

They had mocktails which seemed popular. Lots of people had Slushies. I had a cuppa Grin

OP posts:
MyDcAreMarvel · 04/09/2021 19:29

It’s a good idea but I can’t relate to social events involving alcohol. I just don’t see the point.