I went to an alcohol free social event last night

[LegendaryReady]

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.

It's a great idea. A lot of people need to realise you don't need alcohol to have a good time on a night out. I wish there were more events like this.

That's a fantastic idea!

I'm tee total and I get fed up on nights out with all the questions about why I don't drink. (Not addiction issues but very personal).

I'd love an event where everyone was just happy to sip a Pepsi max and have a great night

Dance clubs (as in clubs for people who dance a specific style like salsa/tango/swing) tend to have a higher proportion of non drinkers to the point where it can be a difficulty to get a venue as the bar makes a loss. People coming off the dance floor are usually gasping for water.

It might not suit an alcoholic who would find it hard to resist a bar, but it can be a good way to socialise without alcohol.

If someone is looking for similar in their area another thing to google is “recovery cafe” there’s loads of them operating as a social enterprise where you get good food at low/subsidized prices and have a nice evening.

Great initiative. I’ve not read the link but will look for that kind of thing in my area!

I take my car everywhere so I don’t drink but my friends usually do.

It’s sad that people can’t enjoy a good night out without bevvy.

I hope these nights catch on. The problem is that venues make a lot of their profit from booze. If they can’t then there may have to be entry fees instead or whatever. I’d be ok with paying a little to get into my local gig venue and I’d most certainly be ok with drinking softies all night.

I hope it catches on. Because it’s a cultural thing now that people think it’s normal to put poison in their bodies. And keep doing it all night in some cases until their body pushes it out one way or another. Gross.

I'd love this.

My friend, who is a Muslim, didn't have alcohol at her wedding (obviously). I found it great being able to not drink alcohol without anyone assuming I was pregnant!

I went to a wdding where both bride and groom are in AA so there was no alcohol. It was an afternoon tea with cups of tea and elderflower.

SO many people moaned about it. I was a bit discombobulated at first then just sort of went with it. One of the best weddings ever. People talking properly to each other for a start.

I do have an issue with alcohol in that I misuse it for everything- stress relief, for social outings because I am terribly shy, I recall this wedding often because it was really fun.

I don't drink alcohol, so going out and not drinking is nothing new for me, like many others. However I do struggle to find a drink that is not too sweet. Tonic and lime is my go to, but I have recently discovered Kombucha but it's not sold in many places.

It is gorgeous, well for my tastebuds anyway! In fact the red berry version looks just like rose fizz if served in a prosecco glass. Kombucha is slightly fizzy too, win win!

I am not sure about non alcohol bars, since I don't know anyone in my circle who does not drink, so the social aspect of going out would not be the same. I don't mind, but they might!

I love this. I’d be surprised if there isn’t big interest in this. One good thing about lockdown was figuring out my relationship with alcohol. Stress relief - definitely (and unhealthy). But otherwise it’s very socially driven! Drinking much less now and would be keen to keep it that way so I’d definitely go to events like this.

Nope, not for me. I'm not a big drinker but want to have a couple if I am making the effort to going out and socialise.

Great idea!

Why would your friends think negatively of you / anyone going?

I do drink alcohol but would love to join an event like this for some reason I hate events and alcohol together. I love glass of wine at home while sitting and chatting but when I go out I would rather have coffee.

I don’t drink; & I can’t be around people who get pissed. I don’t mind people getting a bit merry & pleasantly chatty but as soon as it goes beyond that I bow out.

Whilst I’m totally ok with ppl having a few drinks here & there, I can’t stand alcohol in general & what it does to people. I have lost family members to alcohol & I hate it for that reason. Aside from this, people turn into selfish animals when they get trolleyed and it’s ridiculous & disgusting in equal measure.

Rant over. It’s great to hear of an initiative like this. People rely too much on booze to enjoy themselves

You can the types of drink sold in alcohol free bar
thevirginmarybar.com/