The usual reason I hear is that talking distracts from drinking, so loud music and captivating screens raise drink revenues. I'm not convinced that's right, tho

The usual reason I hear is that talking distracts from drinking, so loud music and captivating screens raise drink revenues. I'm not convinced that's right, though. As a reason for deafening music in clubs, sure. As a reason for screens and volume-on in pubs? I've definitely left bars early, or avoided them altogether, specifically because it was too hard to have a chat with friends. My 'local' has one small TV, muted, and the rest is live music, talking, and posters on the walls. It's a proper "third place", and doing incredibly well for it - so much so that I wonder if most bars are just scared of taking the risk.