Is Gen Z Changing Bar Culture for Better or Worse?
Alright, let’s talk about something that’s been making waves lately—Gen Z and their bar etiquette. If you’ve been out for a drink recently, you might have noticed a shift in how younger folks handle themselves at bars. And if you work in the service industry, well, you’ve probably felt it firsthand. Apparently, bartenders are struggling with some of Gen Z’s habits, and it’s sparking a bigger conversation about how social customs are learned (or not learned).
So, what’s the deal? The biggest complaint is that Gen Z tends to close out their tab after every single drink instead of keeping one open. If you’ve ever worked behind a bar, you know how much of a headache this can be. Every time someone pays separately, it slows everything down, creates a backlog, and disrupts the rhythm of service. And it’s not just about efficiency—bartenders rely on tips, and big groups that order sparingly while holding up space can mean less income for them.
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Now, let’s be real—this isn’t just about “kids these days” not knowing how to behave. There are a few possible reasons behind this shift. One theory? Digital payments. With Apple Pay and tap-to-pay options making transactions instant, people might not even think twice about paying as they go. Plus, Gen Z grew up in a world where splitting the bill down to the last cent is normal—think Venmo requests and cash apps. But while this makes sense in some settings, it throws a wrench into traditional bar culture.
Another factor? The pandemic. Many Gen Z drinkers hit legal age when bars were closed or heavily restricted, meaning they missed out on those early “learn by watching” experiences. There were no packed bars to navigate, no quiet cues from seasoned drinkers on how to order smoothly. So, if they’re handling things differently now, maybe it’s because they never really had the chance to pick up on these unspoken rules.
But here’s the thing—are these really “bad” habits, or is bar culture just evolving? Some argue that Gen Z’s approach actually makes things more transparent. Paying per round means never getting stuck with someone else’s bill, and in an era where people are more conscious about spending, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Still, for bartenders, the constant cycle of closing out tabs isn’t just inconvenient—it’s cutting into their ability to serve efficiently.
So, what’s the solution? Well, maybe it’s just a matter of awareness. If you’re Gen Z and you’re heading out for drinks, try keeping your tab open—it’ll make life easier for your bartender and probably for you too. And if you’re a frustrated bartender? Maybe a little patience is needed as this generation learns the ropes. After all, every generation before them had to figure it out, too.
At the end of the day, bars are social spaces, and like any social setting, they come with unspoken rules. Whether Gen Z is breaking them or just reshaping them is up for debate. But one thing’s for sure—change is happening, and we’re all just trying to keep up.
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