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Comment by runawaybottle | Hacker News Reader

These are predatory prices because Americans drink a lot. As that buzz builds up, you won’t be thinking too much about continuously paying for a few more drinks. I’d love to know their cocktail prices.

If you’ve ever spent any time going to bars regularly, here’s a pro tip:

Just hit up the liquor store and buy a few 2 dollar shots. Keep asking for a soda at the bar. At most, the night may cost you 20-30 dollars. The only downside to this is that it’s very easy to pick up a drinking habit on the cheap.

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These are predatory prices because people traveling for work will pay them and expense them.

> Just hit up the liquor store and buy a few 2 dollar shots.

Then what, walk through airport security with them?

you will also need a quart-sized ziploc:

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/...

I believe you can take 100ml in.

Ummmm.... Yes? I have done exactly this. The little shot sized plastic bottles are well under the liquid limit for airports in the U.S. I usually use them on the plane and mix them with the free ginger ale or tonic water.

>I usually use them on the plane and mix them with the free ginger ale or tonic water.

You probably won't get caught, just be aware doing this is against FAA regulations and will potentially get you fined.

It is illegal. I'd try it but the last half-dozen flights I was on, we were lucky to get 4-oz bottles of water.

Regulations are pretty clear - you can bring your own alcohol on a plane but yo can’t drink it: https://www.faa.gov/hazmat/packsafe/more_info/?hazmat=5

Thanks for pointing this out. I had no idea it was illegal and thought I was saving money with a simple hack. I will be more careful or pay for the drinks or opt out entirely in the future depending on my risk assessment.

> Then what, walk through airport security with them?

Last year I watched a few people down a fifth right before they were up for screening.

Yes. That's what I do. Even with an expense account I buy the single serving vodka at the liquor store nearby.

Liquor laws may differ where you are but I wouldn't recommend bringing alcohol into a bar where I live. If you're caught, you'll, at best, be kicked out.

I’ve done it plenty of times. Sit in the corner and pour in one of the shots, no one notices (the bottles are too small).

I’m not advocating ripping off the bar. But if you and whoever you may be with are already in $100 range, I think it’s fine to do. They markup the prices pretty dramatically and it makes a difference if you are going out a lot.

Ah yes, the good old system where you enjoy the premises and get to decide how much profit the place you enjoy should make.

Until anyone has run a bar, I don’t think they understand much about the industry’s finances. There are many costs that don’t appear obvious at first.

Don't worry. If you don't kill your favorite local business, some startup will eventually do it for you.

Just do what people do for drugs and go into the bathroom stall.

What's the worst case?

Depending on the local laws, being arrested might be possible. Laws around alcohol tend to be intentionally archaic. The other bad possibility is that the bouncer bounces you around a bit before shoving out the door and onto the street. Not likely most places but certainly possible in some of the edgier bars.

That's a "pro tip"? This is on page 1 of every college unofficial guide.

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