Bars & Taverns

A bar is a place of business where alcoholic beverages are served. Cocktails, mixed drinks, beer and wine are served and consumed on the premises.

Bars provide casual seating. Often bar stools and chairs are tucked into counters and tables. Many bars offer entertainment including bands, recorded music, dancers and comedians. Happy hours are often associated with bars and are a marketing tool to bring patrons in during non peak hours.

The term bar comes from the counter on which alcoholic beverages are served. The back bar is the area behind the counter where the bottles and glasses are displayed.

There are many different types of bars. A cocktail lounge is a higher end bar often located in a restaurant or hotel. A wine bar serves only wine and is usually upscale. A dive bar is a very informal, no frills type of bar. Sports bars often have games playing on large TV’s and attract sports enthusiasts. A salsa bar offers Latin music and dance. Bars are often labeled by the kind of clientele it attracts. Biker bars, gay and lesbian bars, singles bars, and college bars are just a few.

Most jurisdictions have laws that do not allow minors to enter bars. Cities and towns have rules and regulations on where bars can be located and what types of alcohol can be served. In many Muslim countries bars are not allowed for religious reasons. Some Muslim countries only permit non Muslims to drink at bars.