Here at GVLtoday – we have team members who enjoy a beer or a glass of wine at the end of the day. We also have employees who choose not to drink at all.

If you’re someone who has never enjoyed alcohol, or someone who has recently stopped drinking – you’re not alone.

Worldwide, alcohol consumption is decreasing. It was down more than 1.5% in 2018, Forbes reported.
Bon Appétit reported that the market for low or no-alcohol drinks is expected to increase by 32 percent between 2018 and 2022.

These numbers may be what’s driving the idea of bars without alcohol, which national outlets such as CNBC + TODAY have highlighted recently.

“Sober curious”

Although there are 12-step and other programs for people who need help with addiction, a separate group of people who don’t drink for wellness reasons has started gaining more attention, Vox reported.

Sober curious is a response to alcohol becoming an increasingly dominate in almost every aspect of life from work to social gatherings.
Almost 40% of global consumers reported a desire to drink less alcohol for health reasons, Vox also reported.
The movement is influencing some bars and alcohol makers to create mocktails or other no/low alcohol beverages.

Readers react

After we saw this TODAY piece, we asked our readers if they’d like to see a bar without alcohol in Greenville. Many of y'all had great thoughts.

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“I mean, as an Irishman, I'm always gonna be pro alcohol, but for those that prefer to abstain from alcohol, I think it's a great idea that way they can have their own little getaway. I would even venture to say that quite a bit of drinkers would stop in just to see what it's all about.” – Brian C.

“As a relative of a recovering alcoholic, I'd support this.” – Crystal A.

“Only bars can thrive in many of these locations due to the high margins on alcohol. These places would have to charge $15 a drink to pay for the cost of the fancy ingredients and the high rents downtown. Don’t see it happening. Cool concept for sure for those of us who still want to go out without drinking but we can sort of do that now, we can just order a club soda or Diet Coke.” – Michael P.

“You can get this experience at several local Greenville bars. Places like el thrifty, husk, and up on the roof make non-alcoholic craft cocktails.” – Tory G.

“My personal opinion on the matter, I won't be visiting their fake cocktail bar. I'm sure the hipster drinks are $12 too.” – Neal H.

Poll

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