Gen Zer’s drinking less
Mat Hayward/stringer via Getty ImagesA new Billboard report shows that Gen-Zers are drinking way less than previous generations, and it’s hitting concert venues, and clubs, hard.
When I turned 21 it was a whole different world. Alcohol was generally involved when we went out - especially if we were going to a club. I turned 21 in living in Nevada, and that meant something! And in Las Vegas - I mean...
Gen Z Says No To Booze:
But Gen Z is drinking way less, and clubs are less than thrilled. And smaller venue owners are noticing that their younger customer's alcohol consumption is dropping, and that means less revenue. There are even a lot of sober bars gaining popularity in LA.
Gen-Zers are even drinking much less at concerts compared to other age groups.
Here's a thought: LOWER YOUR DRINK PRICES, and maybe they’ll drink!
Drinks are ridiculously overpriced in Las Vegas. A beer or a cocktail at a concert or a bar can cost you anywhere from $15-$25 bucks. Color me crazy, but maybe that’s why Gen Zer’s aren’t buying booze!
Clubs Are Losing Money:
David Slutes is the entertainment director at the 325-capacity Club Congress in Tucson. He says he notices a 25% difference in money spent on alcohol compared to past generations. That’s a huge hit to places that rely on alcohol sales to pay the bills.
“Coming out of COVID-19, everything about the live music business was turned upside down,” Slutes tells Billboard. “We weren’t sure why the numbers were like this. Then we did a deeper dive, and at every event aimed at a Gen Z crowd, we saw numbers that were very different.”
Another trend gaining popularity with Gen Zer's is edibles. They’re eating edibles before they go out, and there’s also more of a sober, mental health focus.
Most of the ticket price goes on to the band, promoter, etc., so venues really rely heavily on beverage sales.
The Sober Generation
Gen-Z is becoming a relatively sober generation. The demographic drinks 20% less than millennials, while millennials are also drinking less than Gen-X and Baby Boomers. By NO MEANS is it a bad thing, but it is something venue owners might have to work around, and come up with other ideas to make money.
As Gen-Z continues to be teetotalers, we may see promotion of non-alcoholic beverages like mocktails and CBD-infused drinks.
But again, might I suggest LOWERING YOUR PRICES! All this and a lot more in "Few Things We Think You Should Know!"
Las Vegas Locals Share Their Favorite Dive Bars
There's nothing better than a dive bar in Las Vegas -- especially on National Dive Bar Day!
What is a Dive Bar?
Typically a dive bar is a small, unglamorous, eclectic, old-style drinking establishment with cheap drinks, dim lighting, shabby or dated décor, neon beer signs, local clientele, and parking -- generally in the back.
In a city that's not short of upscale cocktail joints, and long on thrifty and thirsty patrons, it makes sense that cheap dive bars are plenty in Las Vegas. Many of these bars have a novelty value that helps you overlook some of the smoke and bad lighting in their business plan.
Other bars just simply fit the bill of a locals only dive bar and are just the off-Strip adventure you're looking for. These are not in any tourist guidebook.
Las Vegas Locals Share Their Favorites:
As we celebrated National Dive Bar day with listeners, some of them shared their favorites.
Gems likes Dino's Lounge and the Double Down Saloon with its "Shut Up and Drink" attitude, to The Dispensary Lounge with its great burgers, and the LGBTQ Fun Hog Ranch with peanut shells on the floor. There is definitely a dive bar for everyone in Las Vegas.
Helpful hint: You might want to take your clothes off in the garage before you go in the house after going to one of these watering holes because of all the smoke in these good ol' dives.
Full disclosure: This writer is a huge fan of Dino's Lounge. There's parking, affordable drinks (and decent scotch), great karaoke with some of the most amazing singers you'll ever hear. Trust us, you're not going to see or hear them on American Idol or The Voice.
So, if you're looking for cool, totally local, almost neighborhood-like, bars and hangouts in Las Vegas -- there are plenty. You'll definitely meet some characters along the way. If you’re into gambling some of the bars on this list feature video poker to kill some time.
Dino's
It's been around since 1962. Neighborhood regulars and downtown hipsters fill the place. Sticky floors, pool tables, lots of smoke, and karaoke make this place a blast!
Double Down Saloon
In your face attitude, a loud DJ, and a wide range of live music. Art, stickers and fun signs like, "You puke, you clean." Try the Ass Juice shot. Legend has it, it is the spillage of previously poured drinks.
Dispensary Lounge
A very '70s feel with an actual working water wheel. Playboy magazine actually rated it the fourth best dive bar in the country at one time. The half-pound burger remains a huge draw for locals because it's one damn good burger!
Stage Door
A great 24-hour dive off the Strip next to Battista's Hole in the Wall. Cheap drinks and great people watching -- what else do you need?
Frankie's Tiki Lounge
One of the premier Las Vegas Tiki lounges. Deadly potent drinks, plenty of authentic Tiki props, and a great surf music selection on the jukebox. Also, lots of glowing puffer fish and cigarette smoke.
Champagne's Cafe
Velvet-draped walls, red vinyl booths, framed Marilyn Monroe pictures, and the Rat Pack playing on the jukebox. Dark and smoky, - all charm and no frills. “Bar Rescue” to modernize Champagne's, but it reclaimed its divey vibe after the BR crew left. Nightly drink specials only make the late night karaoke wors - better!
Fun Hog Ranch
A great dive bar that also happens to be a LGBTQ bar. Fetish wear and leather are encouraged! A rustic, basic design, and an unpretentious atmosphere. Bring cash - still might be cash only.
Hogs & Heifers
The Vegas hitchin' post of the New York City original, and the inspiration for Coyote Ugly. Popular with genuine and wannabe bikers. Females are encouraged to dance on the bar - and to donate their bras to hang from the ceiling. Bartenders often berate customers with megaphones, and it's a ton of fun -- bra or no bra.
Gold Mine Tavern - Henderson, NV
The Gold Mine Tavern started rockin' and rollin' in 1965. Their website says: "We've been bringing our friends in Hendertucky and Vegas the finest live local bands this city has ever known." Wings, sliders, booze, and locals, locals, locals!
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