What is a No-Host Bar?
A no-host bar is a bar provided at a social function where guests pay for their own drinks. The no-host bar is sometimes known as a cash bar. Many social events provide a dinner for free and a no-host bar where guests are expected to pay for their own drinks. The no-host bar is the opposite of a hosted bar, where the host pays for all drinks consumed by guests.
The no-host bar is an option at many weddings. In previous years, many weddings provided a host bar where drinks were complimentary, but with the spiraling costs of arranging a wedding, the no-host bar is now more popular. In some circles, it is still frowned upon to have a no-host bar at weddings, but unless money is of no importance, it may be a wise choice.
At many weddings, the meals for each guest are paid for. Included with the meal is usually complimentary wine while the food is being served. After the meal is complete, guests can purchse additional drinks at the no-host bar.
Another popular option at weddings is to give guests tickets with which they can receive one or two complimentary drinks. After these tickets have been redeemed, drinks can be purchased from the no-host bar. The drinks may be sold at a reduced cost as part of the hotel's wedding deal. Many hotels dispense with a bar charge to the wedding party if guests spend over a set amount of money on alcohol.
Many companies hold Christmas parties for their staff with a host bar as a way of saying thank you for their hard work. Sometimes, it does not work out as intended, as the company's goodwill can be abused. The major problem with a host bar is that many people frequent the bar as often as they possibly can. There has been many a red-faced worker after the office Christmas party who has taken one too many trips to the free bar.
It is exactly for this reason that many companies now use the no-host bar as an option. They may give out company bonuses instead of spending the money on a host bar. Many companies simply dispense with a bar altogether and do not supply alcohol at company functions.
Written by Garry Crystal
