Drinking alcohol is a big part of Australian culture. However, not everybody wants to drink alcohol all the time when socializing. This paper provides some guidelines to support people who want to drink non alcholic beverages when socializing.
It is surprisingly common at community, work or social events that people responsible for catering provide no non alcholic drink options. This can be particularly awkward if a tap is not readily available in the socialising area (as can happen outdoors, in conference rooms, community halls, etc). Here are two really good options:
- Provide jugs of tap water. Consider adding some sliced lemon or lime and ice.
- Sparkling mineral water
I suspect that most non drinkers would be happy with either of these options. Caters could go further and offer fruit juices or soft drinks but it probably isn't necessary.
Providing non alcholic drinks is important not just for people who avoid alcohol - it is important that people who like drinking alcohol also can have some non alcoholic drinks for lots of reasons like staying below the 0.05 limit.
If someone in your social group does not drink alcohol regularly or at all, don't ask why. Here are some reasons why people may choose to limit or exclude alcohol:
- religious reasons
- health reasons
- they are an alcholic
- they have seen alcohol hurt a loved one or loved ones
- they have been hurt by alcohol
It is best to not ask.
If you are shouting for a group and someone in the group orders a soft drink when everybody else is drinking beer, then there is no need to jeer that person or call him or her 'soft'. They are saving you money.
Here are some easy choices for non alcoholic drinks at pubs and bars:
- Soda water with lime cordial or fresh lime. Most bars will have soda water on tap and ready access to lime cordial or fresh lime.
- Orange juice
- Lemon, Lime and Bitters. Usually available at any bar that can make mixed drinks.
- Coke, squash etc.
Be aware that all of these except for soda with fresh lime will have large amounts of sugar.
If the beer is being served in proper glasses then ask that your non-alcholic also be served in a proper glass - not a plastic cup. The bar makes a higher margin on soft drinks (because there is no excise tax), so they can afford to put the soft drink in a grown up glass just like the beer.