https://www.reddit.com/r/stopdrinking/comments/1ifzzte/i_am_someone_who_doesnt_drink/
created by Beneficial-Horse8503 on 02/02/2025 at 15:44 UTC
1645 upvotes, 47 top-level comments (showing 25)
I just wanted to tell someone….
I own a bar. I had a liquor rep stop by the other day to talk about an event she wants to do at my venue. She brought some hand painted cookies as a gift and then said to me, “you don’t drink, right?”. Wow. I’ve been keeping this up long enough that reps that talk to each other have spread the word? “No, I don’t drink.” I’m not sure why it gave me such a deep sense of pride to be able to say that. I think I forgot what it felt like to be proud of myself. I am a person that doesn’t drink. Well not today, at least. ✨IWNDWYT✨
Comment by MontgomeryStJohn at 02/02/2025 at 16:02 UTC
674 upvotes, 3 direct replies
Amazing. A bar owner that doesn’t drink. What other super powers do you have?
Comment by Perhaps_I_sharted at 02/02/2025 at 16:19 UTC
80 upvotes, 1 direct replies
I was a bar owner that drank, got out of it to try and curb the intake of alcohol but situations meant I had to get a second job with pizzeria above a dive bar, promised myself it wouldn't affect me, lol. Kudos to you for sticking to it friend. I had to walk away from the industry I love to stay dry because I was not strong enough.
Comment by Alkoholfrei22605 at 02/02/2025 at 15:48 UTC
74 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I’m proud of you as well! Forming a sober identity is a huge accomplishment! Bravo❤️
Comment by Constant_Surprise_10 at 02/02/2025 at 16:18 UTC
25 upvotes, 0 direct replies
That's amazing!! I went to the bar yesterday with my husband and friend. I sure do enjoy the fellowship while sober! Plus, we get to drive home safely. What an absolute gift. Congrats!
Comment by Flaky_Road_9717 at 02/02/2025 at 15:53 UTC
21 upvotes, 1 direct replies
I can’t wait to have that feeling 😊. Feels so good to wake up refreshed on the weekend.
Comment by OptimusShredder at 02/02/2025 at 16:23 UTC
16 upvotes, 1 direct replies
That’s awesome. I am still very early on this time around with my sobriety, and it’s hard as a musician to not be able to go to bars right now, and in the past, to not be tempted to take advantage of the free tab that they usually give you if you are performing or hosting karaoke. I know I’ll be strong enough eventually, but congrats to you! That’s badass you are able to own a bar and keep your sobriety. I’m sure that since you are sober, you see how stupid drunk and annoying people get as they keep drinking and they don’t even have a clue. That used to be us. It amazes me to know I used to be a drunk acting up jackass like that. IWNDWYT!
Comment by wtddps at 02/02/2025 at 16:34 UTC
37 upvotes, 3 direct replies
Honest question, and this will sound harsh, but do you ever feel off put by making money off people that are probably addicted to alcohol?
I only question this because I have alcohol paraphernalia and play in a band in a genre of music that very much encourages alcohol consumption, and im questioning if I, as somebody starting my path to quitting alcohol and truly understanding the dangers of alcohol, should be wearing things as such that only promote the subconscious pull towards alcohol for those that struggle
Comment by PaprikaMama at 02/02/2025 at 16:29 UTC
6 upvotes, 0 direct replies
It's so cool she brought you an NA gift! I still occasionally get alcohol gifts... sometimes my husband will drink them, and sometimes they just get re-gifted! It's nice that word is out with the reps! I can't imagine the pressure there would be in your industry to sample new products.
Comment by dj_juliamarie at 02/02/2025 at 17:00 UTC
6 upvotes, 1 direct replies
It’s a super power! I’m a dj and I don’t drink. It’s my favourite badge. It feels like you know something everyone else doesn’t. 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼
Comment by ubetchrballs at 02/02/2025 at 16:30 UTC
6 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I only know 2 things about you (that you own a bar and you don't drink), and my impression is, you are a badass!
Comment by Athensmw at 02/02/2025 at 16:03 UTC
4 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Thanks for sharing, that’s awesome!
Comment by AbiesFeisty5115 at 02/02/2025 at 16:07 UTC
5 upvotes, 0 direct replies
What a neat story…and IWNDWYT! ❤️
Comment by EMHemingway1899 at 02/02/2025 at 16:30 UTC
4 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Congrats my sober friend
Great job
Comment by clt716 at 02/02/2025 at 16:46 UTC
5 upvotes, 0 direct replies
That’s awesome. Also kind of her to verify.
Comment by randomname10131013 at 02/02/2025 at 16:48 UTC
5 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Me too!!
Comment by joebyrd3rd at 02/02/2025 at 16:59 UTC
6 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I know the owners of a local liquor store. They are all devote Hindu. They sell liquor, cigarettes, and lottery tickets. But yet, all don't partake in any of it. They just smile and say that it is an easy money-making business.
I think it's cool that you are running your business, yet you aren't a player. Probably running a tight business and maybe making money! Congratulations!
Comment by SauerkrautHedonists at 02/02/2025 at 16:46 UTC
4 upvotes, 0 direct replies
IWNDWYT
Comment by winniesword at 02/02/2025 at 17:05 UTC
5 upvotes, 0 direct replies
IWNDWYT
Comment by BOATS_N_OATS at 02/02/2025 at 17:46 UTC
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Brewer who doesn't drink here. Kick ass!
Comment by suilbup at 02/02/2025 at 18:04 UTC
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
“I think I forgot what it felt like to be proud of myself”
Man, this really hit home. There were years that I just wasn’t able to see any good in myself because everything was always tainted by the self-loathing that came with my active addiction.
Living a life I am proud to live today is my favorite gift of sobriety. Take care!
Comment by whoami_cc at 02/02/2025 at 18:12 UTC
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Really love this story!
Even though I’m 8 years sober I still enjoy bar/pub culture and I enjoy it even more when there is good selection of N/A drinks.
I’m also a musician so I’ve always been in or around bars or events where there is alcohol.
I’m very used to it and it doesn’t really bother me as long as people aren’t getting sloppy, which is generally rare in my experience or easily avoidable because you can tell which hole in the wall bar isn’t going to have NAs or be they type of place you want to spend time in.
We need more sober bartenders!!
Comment by derallo at 02/02/2025 at 22:16 UTC
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Sam Malone over here
Comment by 4thesnark at 03/02/2025 at 01:35 UTC
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
As a sober liquor rep, it’s so odd to meet others in the industry that don’t drink. I also try to bring non alcoholic treats instead of just my product!
Comment by Least-Glove-2244 at 03/02/2025 at 02:36 UTC
3 upvotes, 1 direct replies
You don’t drink or you never drank? Either way from an alcoholic I’m happy for you for not having to deal with the urges
Comment by 2Punchbowl at 02/02/2025 at 16:03 UTC
2 upvotes, 0 direct replies
This must be nice that people respect you as well. IWNDWYT