On Saint Patrick’s Day this year, consider going out to a party instead of staying in for the holiday. There are a number of reasons that this is a better option. One is that there is less liability involved in going out than there is in hosting the party. Another is that the bars in the area are doing a lot more good than just serving alcohol.
There are a few states in the US that are “dry” states (Kansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee). In other words, alcohol sales are banned in those states except in counties that have been authorized. Additionally, some counties in other states are dry, and even some cities choose to be dry. But in places where drinking alcohol is a welcome recreation, it’s important to support these venues. Bars are demonized in many circles, but they are an awesome place for community support. Here are the ways that the local watering hole may actually be doing some good within the community.
● Supporting Local Musicians
Plenty of musicians have made their big debuts in a local drink shack. The Talking Heads, Blondie, and the Ramones all started out in small-time bars like The CBGB in a seedy part of Manhattan. Where else would a musician just starting out go to put on a show and gather a fan base? Some might go to farmer’s markets and others might have an opportunity to play at a county fair, but most musicians use bars as a place to really get to know who they’re playing for and put themselves out there with merchandise.
A celebration of Irish culture like St. Patrick’s Day almost demands for this kind of community support from potential band fans. Live Irish pub music is traditional in Ireland. It’s one of their main points of tourism, and it’s just plain fun to have a beer, listen to the band, and ask someone to dance.
● Supporting A Good Cause
Going out for a drink while wearing the brightest green you can find could lead to real philanthropy work. A bar in Chattanooga, TN, gave 10% of their drink orders from one night to the Southeastern Cave Conservation Institution. They were able to raise $1,000 in one night, and all that had to happen was a community coming out for a drink. Another success story reported by BackBar USA tells about $30,000 was raised to help bartenders that are battling breast cancer. That’s a huge step toward helping someone in a hard situation. It can all be done by treating yourself to your favorite cocktail.
Call the bars in your area to see if they are hosting any event for St. Patrick’s Day. Maybe there is a way to help someone in need while having a good time on a fun holiday.
● Supporting Friendships
The main reason we drink on St. Paddy’s Day is so we can celebrate with our friends and families. It’s the perfect excuse to have a beer with a pal that we haven’t seen since high school, or maybe it’s how we meet up with fellow college alumni to reminisce about the big St. Patrick’s Day bash that had everyone too tired for courses the next morning. Bars are an awesome neutral space for these meetups. They are also a great place for parents to spend the holiday with one another while letting the kids go to sleep in their own beds, on time, with a sober sitter.
● Supporting Safe Party Spaces
A St. Patrick’s Day party is a lot of fun, but it’s also a lot of work and costs a lot of money! The decorations, food, and booze hurt the bank. Finding places for everyone to sleep in one space can be a challenge. Taking everyone’s keys at the door, making sure they get their car back and a ride home — all while wanting to enjoy a good buzz — is exhausting.
It’s so much easier to plan a ride, a budget, and a trip for yourself to your favorite bar.The booze, food, and decorations are already prepped. The bar handles all liabilities for all of the dicey situations, and you get to just enjoy your drink.
Instead of planning an Irish jig for the living room floor, plan a trip to the local tavern instead. It supports an establishment that’s supporting your community, and it’s a great way to spend St. Patrick’s Day in style!
Special thanks to Henry Moore, blogger at www.fitwelltraveler.com for contributing this post!
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