Rockford Bartender Shames Me For Not Drinking Alcohol

I didn't know it was illegal to be sober at a bar.

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A few times a week, I go play pool in Rockford with my boyfriend and friends. We have some regular bars we hit up, and this was the first time I got shamed by a bartender for not ordering alcohol.

The bartender didn't even give us a chance to get through the front doors before asking what we wanted.  We always get drinks after we start pool, so in that moment we just got water and pop.  That's when the bartender made the comment that left all of us feeling weird.

"Three people walk into a bar together and none of you order alcohol?" like we were doing something wrong.  Is it a crime to be sober at a bar?  Apparently, it is.

It wasn't just an awkward question to answer, but we felt so uncomfortable the entire rest of the night.  To have to explain to the bartender, and in front of other guests, why we weren't getting alcohol right that second was embarrassing, to say the least.

Seriously, I've never ordered water/pop at a bar and been shamed for it.. until tonight.

I have tons of friends who are bartenders around Rockford, and I asked a few of them if I was overthinking this whole thing.  They all gave me the same response: You are not obligated to buy alcohol.  If someone wants water all night long, that's perfectly fine. Whether you're a designated driver or not, you aren't obligated to drink.

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So, here's my reminder when you go to any bar, anywhere: if you see someone without alcohol in hand, don't assume it's weird.  They're enjoying their night just like the rest of the crowd. Mocktails are actually delicious, too!  A great alternative.