In many countries [and it's something that has been done forever] after a hard day's work, as a form of relaxation, most people head off to the bar and drink a beer or two. Their intent isn't to get drunk — just to hang out with friends, chat a little, etc. It can prove to be a very expensive habit in the long run though. Do any of you drink everyday because tradition dictates that you do? Got any tips that could help someone who is into social drinking save some money?
I think part of it depends on your age. When I was in my 20's this was certainly common, but I've noticed now that I am in my late 30's that it is far less common for my co-workers to all go out for drinks after work. Many of them have families now that they need to get back home to, they need to pick their kids up from school or daycare, etc... So these types of after work excursions are much more rare. I would try to go out at least once in a while, just so you don't become a total outcast from your coworkers, but you are certainly not obligated to go out with them every single time they want to drink. Even if you only went out with them every other time, that's cutting your drinking costs in half right there. When you do go out for drinks, keep an eye out for drink specials. Maybe they are running a special on certain tall draft beers, or a particular cocktail. Many restaurants do this to try and lure you into ordering food as well, but as long as you skip the food you can take full advantage of the cheap drinks. Just be sure to still tip your bartender appropriately. You could also make up some sort of alibi why you can't join them all the time. Perhaps explain that you are saving up for something big (maybe you actually are saving for something big!), and are trying to cut out unnecessary expenses - they should understand. Or tell them you have some other obligations certain days of the week after work - maybe some evening classes, or assisting a family member, whatever. That way they at least know you aren't simply avoiding them because you don't like them. If it's a small enough group, you could also suggest grabbing some beer/liquor and drinking at one of your houses instead of going to a bar - that is exponentially cheaper than going out to drink. You could get an entire half gallon of liquor for less than what you would pay for someone's bar tab for a couple drinks plus tip.
Tradition doesn't dictate any man or woman to do any social drinking of ethanol beverages, it's another human or humans that may ask, believe, or require you to do so when occasioning with him/her/or them. I personally would not drink ethanol beverages unless it is customary to all the people of that particular nation or it's to seal a business deal. My advice about socially drinking ethanol beverages, it to stay the home, imply you are sick, carry an expired debit card, or find new friends.
I have some friends that like to go out drinking and yes it is some sort of tradition. Usually, I am the designated driver that has to make sure they get home in one piece. Thankfully, none of them ever drink to a point where they are a belligerent drunken mess
Drinking at the local bar/pub/club is a great way to socialize amongst young people, though I imagine it would become increasingly impractical as they start their own families and have more commitments to attend to. I think so long as they drink in moderation and don't drive afterwards it hardly poses any problem.
In my home town, tradition says you die a slobbering drunk, so nah.. I'm not much into traditions in that way. I like family traditions. Although my family tradition isn't much different than my home town tradition lol. No, I don't drink every day and couldn't imagine doing so. I do know a very small few who do though (ok, not every day.. but more often than not) and they are not in any way healthy people. Here if you drink every day.. you have more than just a drinking problem lol.
Here in the UK pubs USED to be the heart of the community. You would pop in during the week for a couple of drinks and head there at the weekend and that is where you would socialise with friends and other people from your area and talk about what ever is happening around the area. I say 'USED to' because in my part of London pubs are being sold off to developers to build flats to sell to bankers, lawyers and other people who work in London's City district. What a shame this is happening because of greed.
I don't feel pressured into social drinking and am often the one to suggest it. I go for happy hours or suggest sharing a bottle of wine, so at least everyone knows how much it will cost. Sometimes, I will then move onto soft drinks if I am not eating so I don't get tipsy and also to save money, but sharing a bottle of wine can be cheaper than buying a few glasses of soda.
Social drinking will not really take a toll on your wallet if you choose your company carefully. Not to say you have to keep rejecting people and decline their invitations just so you can avoid spending money on drinks. You have to decide firmly and hang out with friends only when you have extra money to spare. That way, you'll be able to drink and socialize with them in a natural way.
I think a good way to save money if your a social drinker is to change the setting. Instead of going out to a bar, have people come over to your house. Beer is always cheaper when you get it from the store instead of the bar. If you HAVE to go to the bar, find places that have great happy hours. You can usually find a mixed drinks for about four dollars and beer for 2 dollars during a real good happy hour.
I so do not drink at all, so luckily, I'm not affected by that habit. I think the best tip for that is to just have self-control and not head to the bar when the situation calls for it. When invited, just limit the beer to 1 bottle.
We have the same culture in my country, although I'd argue most people don't just go for one or two. They go out to get "rat arsed". Quite frankly, I don't know how they can afford it as the government is trying to clamp down on binge drinking by hiking the tax. Personally, I don't find it hard to say NO. I'll even tag along and hang out, but I'm not a big drinker and will often opt out. Coming from a family of drinkers, I think I've been somewhat scarred and NOBODY would win in a fight to get me to drink.
A good way to save is to get warmed up somewhere cheaper, provided you won't have to drive to get to the main place. My friends and I usually buy a few beers at a nearby convenience store first before going to the actual bars where the beers can be priced at around three times that amount for the same brand. The convenience store and bar are at walking distance with each other though so there's not much risk involved and having only a couple to get warmed up doesn't really get us that drunk immediately anyway.
