Question from the Community Regarding "Sober Bars"

By Kendall Worth!

I have written many articles about things like Social Prescriptions, Social Prescribing, and a Cure for Social Isolation. I often include possible solutions, as well as illustrating the relationship between social isolation and poverty. This link introduced one specific idea – sober bar - as a solution to social isolation. For more on Sober Bars see https://treatmentmagazine.com/sober-bars-are-breaking-through/

 

Taken from: https://www.businessinsider.com/sober-bars-booming-across-country-alcohol-free-lifestyle-dry-january-2023-1

In one of those past articles I referenced above, around the need for a program to deal with social isolation, there was a suggestion that one of the solutions could be a “Sober Bar”, in Halifax. But, it is, in fact, an expensive idea. We want a program that deals with social isolation to promote safe socializing for the clients it will serve. Because a Sober Bar provides non alcoholic beverages, a Sober Bar does, in general, promote safe socializing. But some people I have spoken to, who love the concept behind the idea of a Sober Bar, are raising a question of concern. Will the prices at a Sober Bar be found at a level that people living in poverty can afford? Or, put differently – with the plans ongoing for a program to fight social isolation, will programming be affordable in a “sober bar”.

Calling it a "sober bar" will of course mean that all beverages being offered and sold through the establishment will be non-alcoholic, and, therefore, the idea of socializing this way is appropriate. But it is hard to imagine how we can keep drinks and snacks “affordable” for folks living in poverty.

Most “sober bars” are selling “mocktails” on a menu with ingredients at a considerable cost… Also, considering other expenses like rent, power, other utilities, and staffing at a decent wage ( a business does need to bring in money to cover all expenses) it is unlikely that prices can be kept within a limit that is affordable for people living in poverty. With all of the expenses outlined above taken into consideration, the answer is likely NO. After all keeping prices affordable for people living in poverty is easier said then done.

Another issue related to the juncture of low income, costs and social isolation arises when looking at other “safe spaces”. One of them is the Halifax Central Library. People living in poverty do go to places like the Halifax Central Library because it is one of their safe places to be out and around people in the community. The Central Library has a new Cafe, replacing the old Pavia. that Closed in 2020. However when you look at the Cafe Menu it is not in line with what people in poverty can afford. 

Exterior -- Halifax Central Public Library

 

This brings me to another issue which is often part of these conversations: the menu prices at the restaurants and cafes inside the QE2 Hospital. There is no online information about the cost (menu) of items in hospital coffee shops and cafeterias, but it is not affordable.

People living in poverty have health needs that require them to visit the hospital, whether for mental or physical health. People living in poverty complain that medical needs sometimes mean almost full days of medical appointments. If they are not required to fast, then they need to eat. They talk to me how they have to put money away from their income assistance cheques for that day at the hospital. They tell me that the prices on the hospital cafeteria/restaurant menus do not align with what people living in poverty can afford.

Putting $20.00 away from a cheque of $950.00 – the Standard House Hold Rate IA Cheque = $930.00 to pay rent and bills for that month.

People living in poverty are saying if a Sober Bar was to come to Halifax, the prices would have to be low enough for people living in poverty. This pricing issue is frequently mentioned to me in relation to many locations and services. The prices set for any socializing event, will have to be set at what those living in poverty can afford, and this concern is not just limited to the person I interviewed today. Everyone wants the opportunity to attend open mics and to see bands play in a safe environment. We are trying hard to fund a program to deal with social isolation.

Although the idea of a sober bar sounds good, and might be supported by the new program, as it sounds safe and interesting… there is a lot of analysis required to determine if this could affordably fit into a new cure for social isolation and still be affordable to those living in poverty. 

What is “affordable”? 1 Buck for Large Coffees? 50 cents for small Coffee? 2 Bucks for a Sandwich?

Remember, usually a Sober Bar is a business, not a charity. Can we make it a non-profit or charity, or part of one? Probably not… but we might be able to “mock it up” for a one time special event?