To think you can’t sit in a pub all evening and not buy a single drunk

[bagpuss90]

I belong to a small ladies group. We used to meet in a bring your own drinks venue. That sadly closed and we now meet in a local pub restaurant. There’s usually around six of us and we book a table. The last couple of times three of them didn’t buy a single thing - not a soft drink , not a coffee. When I said I was going to get a glass of wine - one of them even said “well you would!””. They’re all lovely but aibu to think the venues are struggling and you just can’t do this. Also I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before the management say something (I don’t think they’ve noticed so far) to us. I think I’m going to have to broach it on the WhatsApp group

The poster didn’t say it was sad that the venue require you to buy a drink. They said it was sad how few places there are to gather where you don’t have to spend money.

there was no blame on the venue in the poster’s comment.
comprehension is important

😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫

the difference in price between soda £0 & soda with lime £4 so yes I was paying £4 extra for a squeeze if line, which to me is extortionate.

You wouldnt be wondering if you'd read the OPs posts where she's already answered that question.

YANBU. Tight cows!

where I work we charge for soda. You still need to supply the gas and electricity, service and maintain the machine, pay for the gas and the person who delivers it …

I can see why you feel awkward and they are out of order but tbh if it’s a quiet week night then the pub probably aren’t bothered. 3 drinks are better than no drinks, it’s not taking up more expense than a few extra bits of loo roll having 6 rather than 3 so unless they are actively having to turn away customers as there are no free tables, I doubt the pub are bothered

Like I said, I can only drink water, due to a medical condition.
So you’re saying I should be embarrassed about it??

I’d say to them something along the lines of I don’t feel comfortable meeting in the pub without us all buying a drink. Its unreasonable to be taking up space for paying customers.

Buy bottled water in the pub then

I think if you are taking up space in an establishment you should buy at least one water.

Also, this thread isn't about you.

They sound horribly tight! I think I would say over what's App as you suggest.Hi Everyone. Really enjoying our meet ups.just to say though I think the pub will expect us to buy a few drinks. They are going out of business frequently and we don't want to lose our local venue.That isn't a criticism as such .just a statement of fact

They are CFs. There’s nothing stopping them having a glass of squash or lime n soda if they don’t want to splash out.

I don’t understand why you wouldn’t say anything. That it’s not ok to use a business space and not spend anything. Ask if anyone has alternative suggestions. Use your voice OP.

Dn worked in a popular picturesque seaside cafe. The management had to have a serious crackdown on the “just a pot of hot water please” crew who also had a tray with two cups and saucers on and were using their own teabags.

And as for the “a bit of lime doesn’t cost £4” poster - strewth. They should be tied in their pub chair for an hour and listen to the publican’s costs (including cleaning/refurbishing upholstery under lime poster’s bottom).

ITV news reporting this morning that 8 pubs a week closed permanently in the first half of this year!
Maybe tell your non drink buying group members that OP!

Are the non-drinkers older ladies who refuse to drink anything after e.g 4pm to avoid needing the loo at night?

Probably need to look at a change of venue again though as they do expect meet up groups to spend something.

Oh fgs - what a ridiculous comment. Do you really not understand the costs the bar incurs?

Well you have your answer - you are correct in thinking it's NOT alright to sit in a pub and not buy anything - even a packet of crisps or a coffee.

Dn worked in a popular picturesque seaside cafe. The management had to have a serious crackdown on the “just a pot of hot water please” crew who also had a tray with two cups and saucers on and were using their own teabags.

I've used my own teabag but I've always offered to pay for the water. I don't drink tea or coffee, only peppermint tea. It's easy to get peppermint now but when it wasn't I used to ask for hot water and explain I was using my own teabag. I didn't feel guilty, especially as I'd be buying food.

@PinkSparklyPussyCat well that’s not the same at all if you were buying food. It’s cfs thinking that they can occupy a table - for free, have cups and saucers, teapot, tray and hot water - for free, and then probably use the cafe’s loos - for free.

Having spent a lot of my younger years working in pubs, I can confirm that no, it's not OK to sit in a pub (or a cafe) and buy nothing. Have a soft drink, even if it's just a cordial and soda, or ask for a tea or coffee if you like, but buy something.

For those saying things like 'A bit of lime doesn't cost £4' etc, no, it doesn't, but do you not understand that a) there are other costs incurred in running a bar and serving drinks, and b) that the purpose of running a business of any kind is to make a profit? If you go into any commercial premises, you need to accept that they aren't there just to break even, FFS. If you can't get your head round that, don't go into them.

I think you should find an alternative venue. Can you meet at a local library?

I think they should get soft drink or hot drink each. That said if the rest spend a far amount the pub may not mind…