Buying a round of drinks when you go out with a group of friends is part of the unwritten law of pub etiquette.
Although not legally obliged to buy a round at the pub, if you break this unwritten law, you may face the social consequences it entails.
Just as serious as touching a Guinness before it has fully settled, or exiting the room with an Irish goodbye, this tradition lives on in pubs.
It ensures that the craic prevails in a relaxed and friendly manner, and that the pub remains a respectful and welcoming community space.
The commitment – if a drink you accepted, another round you’ll get
You could say that by agreeing to go for a drink, you’re committing yourself, in one way or another, to buying your friends a round.
Now, if you accept a drink offered by someone during a round of drinks, you’ve nonverbally agreed to pay for the next one. Greed can cost you dearly when it comes to pub etiquette!
Think twice before you accept that creamy pint of Guinness, as it goes without saying that the more you accept, the more you’ll pay for rounds.
The “three-offer” rule – not looking greedy, you will
While offering a drink or a round is an implicit rule of Irish pubs, refusing the offer, at least twice, is also part of the social etiquette.
So as not to come across as greedy, it is common knowledge that you should at least pretend to resist the offer.
The first time, you can simply brush the offer aside: ‘Ah, no, you’re grand.’ The second time, turn it down with a bit more conviction: ‘No, really, I’m fine.’ Finally, the third time is often when the “real” offer comes: ‘Well, if you’re sure, I’ll have a small one.’
Conversely, if it’s your turn to treat, never take the first no for an answer. If you don’t insist at least twice, people might think you’re not sincere about offering.
Don’t upgrade – one standard drink, you will pick
If someone is buying you a drink, although it might seem tempting, you shouldn’t upgrade your drink to a more expensive option.
Stick to a standard drink all night to avoid awkward moments. As a general rule, having the same drink as everyone else at the table is usually the safest option.
A pint of Guinness will always be the safest and coolest choice.
Timing is critical – in front of an empty glass, you won’t sit
You think you’ve come to the pub to relax and enjoy a quiet pint, but in reality, you’ll need to keep your wits about you. In the law of the round, timing is critical.
Once you’ve accepted a drink, it’s your turn to buy the next round when the glasses are about three-quarters empty. Waiting until glasses are completely dry is considered poor form; you want to be seen as eager to be the first one to pay for the next round.
Once that’s done, you can breathe for a while, until your next turn!
Matching the pace – keeping up, you must
In order to respect the proper timing, you will need to keep up the pace so the next round can be ordered collectively.
Whether your table consists of fast or slow drinkers, you’ll need to go with the flow. If you go too fast, you’ll end up paying for all the rounds, and if you go too slow, people will think you’re stingy.
Do yourself a favour and keep up with the pace.
Opting out early – “I’m only staying for one”
If you cannot keep up or don’t want to participate, there is a way to opt out of it. You will need to state it at the beginning and make up your mind before accepting a drink.
If, for whatever reason, you are unable to take part in the round, the only acceptable answer is “I’m only staying for one drink” or “I’ll get my own”.
You are not kidding anyone, though. There is no such thing as one pint, so if you are serious about it, choose the Irish exit after your first drink, or you’ll have missed your chance.
The social cost – if you fail, your reputation you’ll lose
Failing to buy your round could cost you a reputation, and not a good one. Refusing to pay for a round is not even an option. While you won’t be asked directly, your omission will be noticed.
By accepting a drink or two and not participating when it’s technically your round, just bear in mind that you are making a bolt for the door. This can be a fast way to lose social standing. The only option out is to set off early.
Now you know! Although buying your round is not explicitly required, the unwritten law of pub etiquette obliges you to participate in this social tradition.
If you follow that implicit rule, the craic will prevail in a relaxed and friendly manner, and your social status will be maintained and glorified for as long as you keep up with the custom!
