Going out in college is one of the things people look forward to the most. Who doesn’t love a Friday night drinking fishbowls and singing karaoke at the bar? Contrary to popular belief, just because you’re drinking, doesn’t mean you should throw out everything your momma taught you. Staying classy while drinking is important. Here’s some tips on how to have proper alcohol etiquette:
You need money.
Unless it’s an open bar at an event, alcohol costs money. Don’t assume people are going to buy you drinks or that the bartender is going to give you free shots. If you want a drink, make sure you have enough money to buy it yourself.
Have your ID out and ready to go.
You know the bartender is going to ask for it, so before you order, get your ID out from the black hole at the bottom of your purse and have it ready to go. Don’t be that person who has to spend ten minutes trying to find it.
Don’t make it complicated.
The bar isn’t Burger King – you can’t always have it your way. If you’re picky about your drinks, that’s fine, just understand that other people are waiting and your martini with a splash of rum, shot of coconut rum, splash of lemonade, squeezed lemon, teaspoon of sweet and sour, and three cherries is going to take a while to make. Just order a rum and coke and call it a day.
Be patient.
It may take a hot minute before you get your drink. Don’t make a scene about it. You’ll get what you ordered and you will eventually get drunk. Just relax and enjoy your night.
No touching.
This is pretty self-explanatory. Unless you know the person, don’t touch people. Respect personal space.
No one likes a screamer.
Don’t be that person who’s screaming at their best friend all night about the boy who didn’t text back. Or that person who is just screaming everything they say. No one likes that person. If you have something important to say to your friends, take a walk outside. It’s much more quieter out there and they can actually hear what you have to say.
Don’t hold people against their will.
Whether you’re flirting or just being friendly, don’t hold people against their will. It’s great that you want to be social, but don’t overstay your welcome. If they’re acting like they don’t want to talk to you anymore, then they probably don’t. Don’t turn a social interaction into a hostage situation. Let them go back to their group and you go back to yours.
Be respectful.
Don’t be rude. Be respectful to everyone around you. We’re all just here to have a good time.
Bar tops aren’t made for heels.
But if the mood is right…
Don’t flirt with anyone other than your significant other.
Especially if your significant other is out with you, don’t flirt with anyone besides them. It’s just rude, disrespectful, and asking for drama. The same goes for flirting when your significant other isn’t there. Respect your relationship and set boundaries.
Ask before you buy someone a drink.
Not everyone wants a free drink. Always make sure you ask before buying someone a drink. It’s safer this way, and you’re saving some money if they say no.
Don’t be the buzz kill.
Don’t be that person in your group who has an emotional crisis after having a few drinks.
Ask if you want to dance with somebody.
Smoothly coming up and grinding on someone isn’t that smooth. This also falls under respecting personal space. Just like not everyone wants a free drink, not everyone wants to dance with you. Be nice and ask before you grind up on someone. Plus you’ll get bonus points for being an old-fashioned romantic.
Always tip.
This is not optional. Make sure you factor the tip into your budget for the night and have some cash on hand just in case. Bartenders and wait-staff work hard and tips make up most of their salary. Throw a few bucks their way throughout the night.
No I won’t buy you alcohol.
If we’re not friends, or if I never hear from you unless you want something, do not ask me to buy you alcohol. We’re all ballin’ on a budget.
Don’t break shit.
If you’re the clumsy one, at least try not to knock over everyone’s drink when you get up.
No puking.
If you’ve got to do it, do it in the bathroom. Then go home. You’re done for the night.
Go home.
The staff can’t go home until you do. So when “Closing Time” starts playing, find a safe ride home. Also make sure everyone in your group has a safe ride home as well before you leave. Never leave a man or woman behind!
Be classy.
Just because you’ve been drinking, doesn’t mean you can’t stay classy.
Above all else, always be classy.
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