Excellent column written by NYC mid-town bar owner

[Mr.Retired]

Originally Posted by rtifishul

The bar as a concept has been around since antiquity, so the claim that bars were a greatest generation invention is itself more than silly.

People have been drinking alcohol for more than 12,000 years, i don't think for a second that bars or pubs are at any risk of "extinction." What's frustrating is that local and state governments are willing to kill people's livelihoods as a political maneuver.

Small businesses have been thrown under the bus, and it's heartbreaking to see otherwise hardworking and enterprising people lose their livelihoods in a matter of months. The American Dream that was so touted after WW2 is a distant memory.

Excerpt: The American Dream that was so touted after WW2 is a distant memory

Response: My sentiments exactly.

The bar has that has been around for so many generations has been struck down before by the hand of government during prohibition. It sent many underground to quench their thirst. Today their are many alternatives to quenching that same thirst and there are many alternatives. Bars do not need to go out of business when under attack. They do not need to go underground to survive in this modern age. They need to change and change quickly if they are to compete and survive among the many other for profit businesses. They are in need of reinvention. No longer the last stop on the bus or train line but a business that has a constant turnover and constant exchange of cash. You don't do that with beer and pretzels anymore. Having grown up in a neighborhood that was once touted as having the most bars in the world ( one on every city block ) and now has been replaced by medical offices, places of worship and deli's is a telling sign of its impending doom. The bar that once gathered folks to share some stories of after work, the bars that once gathered folks for fun and games, the bars that once gathered folks for local and international viewing of sports,the bars that gathered folks for cheap eats and a cold drink are over. It can all be done in the comfort of a coffee shop, a private club or a friends house. It is not silly to have foresight. It is a gift and an even more humble gesture to share this advice with those considering such a venture. Best wishes to all.............

[leadfoot4]

Originally Posted by Mightyqueen801

Exactly. They survived prohibition. They thrived during prohibition, actually.

As long as there are alcoholics, there will be bars. Yes, some alcoholics drink only at home. Some only drink alone. But many people's entire social life revolves around the combination of alcohol and other alcoholics with whom to spend time consuming alcohol.

Bars will always survive.

I know the article that the OP posted is about a bar, but it's NOT just about bars feeding alcoholics.....it also includes restaurants selling food and relaxation. And it also "trickles down" from there, as the food and drink suppliers aren't supplying the restaurants, so THEIR business is suffering, and THEY'RE cutting back on staff, so more people are not earning the living that they've been used to.

The CCP was upset, and they took it out on the US, primarily, as well as the rest of the world.

[7Millionaire7]

Originally Posted by Mr.Retired

Excerpt: The American Dream that was so touted after WW2 is a distant memory

Response: My sentiments exactly.

The bar has that has been around for so many generations has been struck down before by the hand of government during prohibition. It sent many underground to quench their thirst. Today there are many alternatives to quenching that same thirst and there are many alternatives. Bars do not need to go out of business when under attack. They do not need to go underground to survive in this modern age. They need to change and change quickly if they are to compete and survive among the many other for profit businesses. They are in need of reinvention. No longer the last stop on the bus or train line but a business that has a constant turnover and constant exchange of cash. You don't do that with beer and pretzels anymore. Having grown up in a neighborhood that was once touted as having the most bars in the world ( one on every city block ) and now has been replaced by medical offices, places of worship and deli's is a telling sign of its impending doom. The bar that once gathered folks to share some stories of after work, the bars that once gathered folks for fun and games, the bars that once gathered folks for local and international viewing of sports,the bars that gathered folks for cheap eats and a cold drink are over. It can all be done in the comfort of a coffee shop, a private club or a friends house. It is not silly to have foresight. It is a gift and an even more humble gesture to share this advice with those considering such a venture. Best wishes to all.............

I'm not sure a lot of people want to live anywhere specifically for being known as having "the most bars in the world" and your conception of them seems a bit dated. Bars have evolved in many ways to offer the same comforts as coffee shops or private clubs, and in general, the entertainment landscape is vastly more competitive than before.

The only thing killing bars at this time is that patrons are not able to visit when and as often as they want or would like. People wanting to gather to drink and eat is going to always going to happen.

[Hannah5555]

Originally Posted by 7Millionaire7

I'm not sure a lot of people want to live anywhere specifically for being known as having "the most bars in the world" and your conception of them seems a bit dated. Bars have evolved in many ways to offer the same comforts as coffee shops or private clubs, and in general, the entertainment landscape is vastly more competitive than before.

The only thing killing bars at this time is that patrons are not able to visit when and as often as they want or would like. People wanting to gather to drink and eat is going to always going to happen.

Thank you! You don't have to be an alcoholic to go to a bar! As a single person, I used to go to bars frequently for dinner, to watch sports on tv, just to talk to people, especially if I were visiting somewhere new. It's a great way to meet locals. It's also a great place to write.

[Dave 92 LSC]

Originally Posted by 7Millionaire7

I'm not sure a lot of people want to live anywhere specifically for being known as having "the most bars in the world" and your conception of them seems a bit dated. Bars have evolved in many ways to offer the same comforts as coffee shops or private clubs, and in general, the entertainment landscape is vastly more competitive than before.

The only thing killing bars at this time is that patrons are not able to visit when and as often as they want or would like. People wanting to gather to drink and eat is going to always going to happen.

With that said, lot of good bars have great kitchen too. For those who eat in Applebees often this might be a surprise, but for those who love food adventures, a different bar can offer lots of different things. Each has a flavor if it own.

[IForgotMyOldAccount]

um NYV well NY State drinking culture is the norm

its not going anywhere and the bars will be replaced with new bars. Doesn't make it right nutin in life is unless ur Wealthy