Staff Reports
In a quirky turn of events, a bar in England named Alibi has turned the classic night out into a curious case of “no solo drinking after hours.” The bar’s owner has taken a hardline stance, declaring that patrons drinking alone after 9:00 p.m. are a menace to social atmosphere. He believes these lone rangers can be “unflattering to be around” and tend to irritate other drinkers who are there to enjoy the company of friends. It seems, in this British establishment, the message is clear: if you’re flying solo, better find a group—or head home early.
Now, one might wonder what happened to the good old days when sitting alone at a bar was just part of the experience. Picture this: a gentleman, perhaps a little rough around the edges, nursing his pint and minding his own business, while engaging in a bit of friendly banter with the bartender. Back in the day, it was common for a chap to sit at the bar and soak in the atmosphere. If you were lucky, you could chat about the weather or how things just aren’t what they used to be. It was a time when solitary drinkers could find solace in their own company—or at least the company of a good brew.
However, the owner of Alibi argues that times have changed, and the presence of solo drinkers may disrupt the merriment intended for group outings. He perceives them as potential annoyances, someone to dodge instead of engage with. It’s a bizarre twist in the landscape of pubs and bars, where community and conversation once thrived alongside individual reflections and solitary sips.
Critics may view this ban as a misguided move, suggesting that it unwittingly isolates those who may genuinely seek companionship within the walls of a bar. After all, not everyone has a crew to prefer their social outings with, and perhaps a chat with an interesting stranger can lead to unexpected friendships—or at the very least, a delightful debate about who plays the best football.
Nevertheless, it’s hard not to chuckle at the thought of this memed notion of public drinking: No drink, no friend. So if you’re in England and find yourself craving a pint at Alibi after sunset, it’s best to muster up some friends or make a run for it before the clock strikes nine. Who knew that in today’s world, sharing a drink might come with a social checklist to boot?
