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Cool idea. Wonder how it could be adapted to include those who don't drink (already too many social events revolving around drinking IMO).

gazook89 2y ago
I agree. Bars around me also play loud music and/or have sports on TVs all the time, and quickly get too loud to have a coherent and comfortable conversation. Places quiet enough are not set up to have tables pushed together and a longer dwell time as people come in and out. As a kid I joined my dad at a regular stammtisch that met at a Starbucks in the evening. That worked well, but I do think it would have benefited not just by having typical Starbucks drinks but also a few beers (giving the choice to the patrons). As noted in the article, a coffee shop works well. But it can be tough to find a place where again it’s possible to pull a big table together. So many cafes now cater to laptop users plugging in for hours, but not necessarily for getting groups together who want to talk.
TacticalCoder 2y ago
I'm part of a group that regularly meets at a pub and some only drink water. There's zero issue with that. The goal is not to get drunk: it's to have fun and discuss all together while enjoying two or three beer for those who like beer.
- em-bee 2y ago
  also my experience, when meeting with friends on austria i was often the only one who didn't drink alcohol. i can't remember a single time that anyone would notice or say anything about it.
bell-cot 2y ago
Even in a small-ish city, the meanings of "drinks" and "drinking" can vary enormously, depending on the group of people. I had a "burgers and beers" meal at a pub with some friends on Saturday. Our maximum alcohol consumption was 1 beer; minimum was 0. Several decades ago, I might have had a second beer. Maybe a dessert, too.
reducesuffering 2y ago
I see the same at coffee shops / cafe's that have large tables in my area

gazook89 2y ago

I agree. Bars around me also play loud music and/or have sports on TVs all the time, and quickly get too loud to have a coherent and comfortable conversation. Places quiet enough are not set up to have tables pushed together and a longer dwell time as people come in and out. As a kid I joined my dad at a regular stammtisch that met at a Starbucks in the evening. That worked well, but I do think it would have benefited not just by having typical Starbucks drinks but also a few beers (giving the choice to the patrons). As noted in the article, a coffee shop works well. But it can be tough to find a place where again it’s possible to pull a big table together. So many cafes now cater to laptop users plugging in for hours, but not necessarily for getting groups together who want to talk.

TacticalCoder 2y ago

I'm part of a group that regularly meets at a pub and some only drink water. There's zero issue with that. The goal is not to get drunk: it's to have fun and discuss all together while enjoying two or three beer for those who like beer.

em-bee 2y ago
also my experience, when meeting with friends on austria i was often the only one who didn't drink alcohol. i can't remember a single time that anyone would notice or say anything about it.

bell-cot 2y ago

Even in a small-ish city, the meanings of "drinks" and "drinking" can vary enormously, depending on the group of people. I had a "burgers and beers" meal at a pub with some friends on Saturday. Our maximum alcohol consumption was 1 beer; minimum was 0. Several decades ago, I might have had a second beer. Maybe a dessert, too.

reducesuffering 2y ago

I see the same at coffee shops / cafe's that have large tables in my area