Karaoke Forums

So, what's your point Tom?

You went out, enjoyed yourself and contributed to the venue's profit. 5 sodas x $2 that's 10 bucks. What's wrong with that? Some places don't charge any more than that for 5 draft beers. It's not like you nursed one soda the whole night, or re-filled bottled water from the bathroom!

And...most notably, you have no problem with paying a cover charge if one is in effect.
Lastly, why did you feel compelled to explain why you don't drink alcohol. Did someone tell you that it was inappropriate to avoid alcohol when attending karaoke? You spend your money anyway you'd like, Tom. It's your money and no one can tell you how to spend it.

I just think its selfish and self-centered when people hang around all night to sing and spend little if anything. Which is what one poster on this thread has admittedly done!

Eric,
the point is some places do make you feel uncomfortable for drinking non alcohol, that's all.... When you travel as much as I do, sometimes in unknown areas, you don't always know what places those are and you just avoid them the next time.

Tom

That's quite interesting to learn. Since most of the places I frequent have full menus, it has never occurred to me that spending money, but not drinking alcohol, might be a problem in some venues. Is there a particular locale that you find is more "sensitive" about that than others?

Eric,
Off the top of my head I've been to too many to remember names, but also with regards to full menus, It's 9:00 or after and most people aren't hungry. Snack yeah maybe, but then again then again it's just bar food right

It's a live and learn thing that's all.

But I do like the place at Universal Studios Orlando to eat at and will when I go there as the food is even decent!

I keep noticing how some talk about why they don't buy alcoholic drinks. I have no problem with any of the reasons- all sound sensible.

So what about the venue charging the same for soda as for a beer, and no free refills? I happen to know that the soda COSTS the same for the venue as the tap beer. It's the financial support of the venue that's important, not alcoholic consumption.

Possible Venue Policies

@ Charge the same for soda as a beer or cocktail (If you're a drinker it won't matter, if you aren't you still support the venue- and your favorite karaoke show. If this truly bothers you, then you really DO want something for nothing)

@ Offer more late night bar food

@ Make SURE there are thirst inducing snacks on the bar

@ If a popcorn machine is turned on AFTER the dinner service the scent can do wonders..

_________________
"No Contests, No Divas, Just A Good Time!"

" Disc based and loving it..."

That is not true, sorry. Soda (from a Soda Gun) is about 13-17 Cents a Cup, WAY cheaper than any draft beer.

If I decide not to drink, which happens occasionally, I wouldn't have any problem to pay per Soda and pay a draft beer's price at all.

And what people don't realize is the reason for the bar owner's scowl as you order a soft drink.

A lot of bar owners have the same attitude toward customers as a carnie or casino owner does with anyone who walks through the door. They are a "mark". They have no value except as something to be mined.

In a bar, the moment you order a soft drink, you are a mark that has not panned out. You won't get drunk and drop your paycheck on booze, pull tabs, or the poker machine.

Again, I am not saying that all bar owners operate with this attitude. Not at all, there are many who are responsible and care about providing quality entertainment. They also know that there are many recovering alcoholics -- from who they made their living for many years, mind you. Those you won't find giving you the evil eye when you order a glass of water.

But those who view people as marks will often complain about the non-drinker. They could care less about anyone else's heath or well-being. I say sod 'em, they are cynical and uncaring. And tney tend not to do well in their endeavors, either, if they let this attitude show through. People pick up this vibe and they don't come back.

_________________
[color=#ffff55]Mickey J.[/color]
Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them.
-- Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

Alex

Of course you're right about the costs. So... if the place charges the same for soda as the cheapest draft and does NOT give free refills, the profit on soda will exceed the profit on a cheap draft!

The problem I often notice in restaurants is that the menu was prepared without the realization that people will show up for karaoke, order a soda and expect free refills all night, just as someone who had ordered a dinner would expect to receive.

If it were me, I'd simple go back to the menu and put on a sticker indicating that free re-fills go with a food order; otherwise, it's $2.59 per. But, all too often the owner isn't around to see what's happening and no one else cares!

That's how it works in our place. You only get free refills with a food order. Otherwise we charge I think $2 per... not quite sure about the exact price right now, but I think it is $2 +/- 20 Cent.

You're getting a good deal or buying cheaper brands. Coke or Pepsi cost more than RC and others, so add a few cents. What do you think the cost of draft beer is?

_________________
"No Contests, No Divas, Just A Good Time!"

" Disc based and loving it..."

I don't think, I know... a domestic draft is around 60 cents per 12 oz.

pmsl I see "mr wonderful" is again farting from the mouth

_________________
"Be who you are and say what you feel... Because those that matter... Don't mind...And those that mind... Don't matter."

We have roughly the same cost ratio on beer and Coke here as well.
Coke (or any soda - brands don't really make much difference here) is pennies in comparison to beer.
A bar owner literally has a excellent profit margin on sodas. The problem is that people just don't drink 5 or 6 or more in a night. They generally will have one or two and that's it.
So the alcohol (beer inclusive) wins out on quantity.

Well, going by your numbers, charging the same for sodas is gonna be quite profitable- 2 sodas equals 8 beers. sounds good to me. Then add the salty snacks, popcorn and no free refills just like beer, and there ya go...

_________________
"No Contests, No Divas, Just A Good Time!"

" Disc based and loving it..."