There are different types of settings for bars, especially considering the various communities around the U.S. In rural areas, there may be a few bars that are evenly spaced out on a local highway, encouraging “regulars” to remain inside their favorite bar for the evening and lessening the chances of drunk driving between establishments. In more urban areas, however, it is common for several bars to be within walking distance of each other, allowing patrons the freedom to “crawl” along the city street and try out new places for food, drinks and fun. “Bar crawls,” are popular and fun ways to spend a day with friends, exploring new communities or just getting to know your own local flavor. But, as with all events that include drinking, there are some guidelines to follow for the safety and enjoyment of everyone.
Bar crawl etiquette includes:
- Organization of the event. Some bar crawls are for fundraising, while others are for local groups of people and/or friends to spend quality time with each other. Having a plan is a must for any bar crawl, from the time it starts to the bars that will be visited, as well as how people will be driving home afterward.
- Starting early. Because of the number of bars that could be on the itinerary, most bar crawls begin in the afternoon, allowing everyone the chance to “crawl” between more than 2-3 bars over the course of the event.
- Equal rights. All bar crawl attendees should expect to drink no more than one or two drinks per bar, and eat something at each place, as well. This also means that nobody should stay at any one bar for more than 1-2 hours, which helps keep everyone from drinking too much, too fast.
- Sober driving. This should go without saying, especially as everyone is walking from bar to bar, instead of driving. However, if a friend seems ready to go home, and is intoxicated, the entire group has a responsibility to get him or her home safely.
In a bar crawl, there is a classic image of an intoxicated person crawling away from one bar and trying to enter another. But, today’s bar crawls are more about safety and fun with several friends, than the quest for a final drink at the end of a night. While a bar crawl does encourage a long day of drinking alcohol, following the “rules” encourages responsible drinking and sober driving. With risks like a drunk driving accident, car breathalyzer requirement or worse, remaining responsible while “crawling” is just as important for your safety, the safety of your fellow “crawlers” and everyone else driving.
