BARTENDER SEES CHANGE IN DRINKING TRENDS

Social drinkers have changed over the years, says a local bartender. They're drinking less alcohol, and more than ever, they're not getting behind the wheel if they've had too much.

Dale Pruett, who has tended bar at Port Cape Girardeau for nine years, says most drinkers are more conscious than ever of observing their limit. And sticking to nonalcoholic drinks has become another acceptable alternative.

"I sell a lot more non-alcoholic beer and `virgin' or non-alcoholic cocktails now," Pruett said. "These drinks have always been around, but now they're a standard order every week."

Non-alcoholic beer is advertised on a much wider scale today than in the past. Pruett said that fact, and the fact that responsibility when drinking is emphasized more through advertisements, has led to a change in many drinkers' attitudes.

"When you go out, the idea is to relax and enjoy yourself," he said. "Drinking too much is defeating the purpose."

Pruett said alcohol awareness campaigns have helped make most drinkers aware of the dangers of drinking too much, especially when they plan to drive home.

He said having a designated driver is a popular plan for people who go out with friends. "I see quite a few designated drivers, and a lot of people call cabs. It's the accepted thing to do," he said.

As a bartender, Pruett said he frequently watches how much alcohol patrons consume, and sometimes he refuses to serve alcohol to those who appear intoxicated.

"That's always been our policy," he said. "I'm more than happy to serve them coffee or call a cab for them, but they're not going to get served any alcohol."

Responsibility for drinkers doesn't always fall on the bartender, he said. In most instances, friends look out for each other, and when one has had too much to drink, the others often see to it that they don't drive home.

Pruett said he thinks interest in alcohol awareness has been good for business. And responsible drinking seems to be on the minds of drinkers of all ages, he said. Even less experienced drinkers who are in college or in their mid-20s seem to be concerned about how much liquor they consume in one night.

"The younger ones are real good about watching out for their friends and for having a designated driver. You can always tell when a group has a designated driver because one is drinking soda or coffee. This really helps to take the pressure off."

Another way to discourage patrons from drinking too much is to serve appetizers, Pruett said.

"We try to offer something to eat, even to people who are not ordering dinner," he said. "It helps to keep a little something in your stomach."

Pruett said he first started to see a change in drinkers' attitudes about four years ago. No more is an intoxicated person considered the life of the party.

"People want to go out and have a good time," he said. "But getting drunk or taking care of a drunk is like cutting your fun in half."