Month-long health challenge to abstain from alcohol affecting bottom line for bars, restaurants
Each January, some people pledge to go "dry" by giving up alcohol for the month. News 12’s Katelynn Ulrich explores how this growing trend affects the bottom line for local bars and restaurants.
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Each January, some people pledge to go "dry" by giving up alcohol for the month, as part of a popular health challenge.
News 12’s Katelynn Ulrich explores how this growing trend affects the bottom line for local bars and restaurants.
Drew Kolar, a longtime bartender, has served drinks for nearly 18 years. Over that time, he’s seen drinking habits evolve - especially during January.
“When the trend [Dry January] hit, it did take away a lot of business,” Kolar said.
Dry January, a 31-day challenge to abstain from alcohol, has gained traction in recent years.
At Boobie Trap, a bar in Bushwick, Brooklyn, sales are already down.
“We did our 24-hour New Year’s event, and we all noticed a drop in sales. It’s way down,” Kolar said, adding that the bar made half its usual revenue.
He also noted that drinking has generally declined, contributing to the closure of Boobie Trap’s second location.
“Sales just haven’t been great in general,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Kolar and other bar owners are adapting.
“Lots of places do mocktails. We have flavored soda,” Kolar said. “It’s a way to say, ‘You can still hang out; you don’t need to pound a neat whiskey.’”
