Is it common for bars where you live to not serve food? (inspections, salaries)

[Foamposite]

In NYC it's common for bars to be alcohol only, even if they open at 12PM. There are also a lot that have just a few snack like foods on the menu like frito pies. I'm actually surprised that even in NYC there are bars that can make money that early without selling food.

I was wondering if this model is common elsewhere. I'm guessing this is more common in big cities and less so in the more autocentric parts of the country.

[Gerania]

No, not at all, and not just in my area. The bars I've been to in cities serve food.

[NoMoreSnowForMe]

I've always lived where there are both types of bars - those that serve food and those that don't, but usually do have nuts and chips in bags.

Serving food actually costs a business more money in salaries, benefits, etc., because you have to pay someone to make the food and manage the kitchen and clean it up - and they have to pass health code inspections, etc.

The money is in the booze. If all you serve are chips and nuts in bags - you eliminate all of the above and just focus on the huge profits in selling booze only, without needing to comply with food service regulations, more salaries, etc.

[Katarina Witt]

Most bars in Colorado must sell food as well.
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/enf...sked-questions

[Bo]

Originally Posted by Katarina Witt

Most bars in Colorado must sell food as well.
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/enf...sked-questions

It's required in Ohio, too. Even if it's just popcorn.

[2Easy]

It’s common in Los Angeles although most bars probably do serve food as well.

[cat1116]

Been to several. Either they have some kinds of chips or small kitchen, or they use a food truck.
Other brewpubs are part of a restaurant.

Either can be located in a suburban area or in a city.

[flamadiddle]

It's a local law thing, Many cities force establishments to have ~50% food sales. Chicago has many alcohol only bars.

[2Easy]

Originally Posted by cat1116

Been to several. Either they have some kinds of chips or small kitchen, or they use a food truck.
Other brewpubs are part of a restaurant.

Either can be located in a suburban area or in a city.

Doesn’t small kitchen imply that they do serve food?

[Foamposite]

I noticed that even in the suburbs of NYC (in the case of NYS they have the same alcohol laws) that bars usually serve food. It seems like there needs to be a certain amount of foot traffic for an alcohol only bar to be viable.

At one of my favorite bars in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, that bartenders are totally cool with people bringing outside food in.