25 Nov 2025

Are solo drinkers a problem for bars?

From Nights, 8:20 pm on 25 November 2025

A Manchester bar owner has caused a furore over his policy to ban solo drinkers to his bar after 9pm

The policy is in place at the cocktail and karaoke bar Alibi in Greater Manchester

The owner says it is over safety concerns should something happen to the solo drinker, and said people on their own can sometimes start mithering other groups.

Charles Gillet is bartender at The Last Word in Christchurch and took out the title of New Zealand 2025 Bartender of the Year at the NZ Spirit Awards.

He joins Emile Donovan for his thoughts on the issue.

Hands of young people holding martini and champagne in the bar.

Photo: 123RF