Should the boozeless bar trend come to Columbia?

alcoholic-beverage-beverage-black-background-2093089

Image via Pexels

Table of Contents

Here at COLAtoday – we have team members who enjoy a beer or a glass of wine at the end of the day. We also have employees who choose not to drink at all.

If you’re someone who has never enjoyed alcohol, or someone who has recently stopped drinkingyou’re not alone.

  • Worldwide, alcohol consumption is decreasing. It was down more than 1.5% in 2018, Forbes reported.
  • Bon Appétit reported that the market for low or no-alcohol drinks is expected to increase by 32 percent between 2018 and 2022.

These numbers may be what’s driving the idea of bars without alcohol, which national outlets such as CNBC + TODAY have highlighted recently.

“Sober curious”

Although there are 12-step and other programs for people who need help with addiction, a separate group of people who don’t drink for wellness reasons has started gaining more attention, Vox reported.

  • Sober curious is a response to alcohol becoming an increasingly dominate in almost every aspect of life from work to social gatherings.
  • Almost 40% of global consumers reported a desire to drink less alcohol for health reasons, Vox also reported.
  • The movement is influencing some bars and alcohol makers to create mocktails or other no/low alcohol beverages.

After we saw this TODAY piece, we wanted to know 👇

Poll


More from COLAtoday
Leadership Columbia offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people, issues, and decisions shaping the Midlands.
Ice storms in SC have caused widespread damage in the past, and as we brace for winter weather, we spoke to a meteorologist to find out why.
The 59-room Lantern Columbia opens inside the former fire station as the Vista continues evolving.
Black Dog Pizza is expected to open in late January on Main Street underneath The Hendrix.
Get to know the musical lineup that will keep you entertained at this year’s St. Patrick’s Day in Five Points Festival, the largest one-day fest in South Carolina.
Find your next great read when you join Richland Library’s Broader Bookshelf Reading Challenge.
The 16th annual Mardi Gras Columbia Festival features 19 local bands across three stages, plus a parade, food vendors, and craft beer.
Experience Columbia SC introduces its 2026 ambassadors, highlighting locals shaping how visitors experience the Midlands.
Learn about Martin Luther King Jr.'s presence in Columbia and how to commemorate his life and legacy on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
ColaJazz Foundation and the Koger Center announce seven intimate jazz performances running from February through December.