I get why pub owners aren't please with this situation, but I do think it's a win for society as a whole. It's also a bit strange (even if it's technically correct) to use the word "forced" for businesses that are simply getting less clients.
But more to the point - while alcohol and binge drinking certainly aren’t great for society some of these places must have been the “third place” (not work or home) that is getting harder to find (both for free e.g. public spaces or without getting nickeled and dimed for simply being a customer).
I’m surprised that many coffee places close as early as they do (typically mid afternoon or earlier) and don’t move into the late night third place spot that these bars fulfill.
What about government regulations is wrong here, and why would this result in soulless chain stores?
Aren’t soulless chains the default resting state of a mature economic sector?
I disagree. My comment was in direct response to the GP's comment of:
> It's strange when businesspeople seem to expect that their business has a right to exist beyond profitability in the market place.
When the "marketplace" is dictated by government policy, it's fair to question the effects of policy. You cannot handwaved it away with claims of some hand of God marketplace that no one has the ability to influence.
> What about government regulations is wrong here
I specifically stated I was not making claims of whether this result was good or bad.
> and why would this result in soulless chain stores?
You ask this, and then go on to say:
> Aren’t soulless chains the default resting state of a mature economic sector?
Clearly, the operating environment results in this sort of thing. The environment is influenced by government.
Soulless chains need not be the default resting state. For instance, a government could introduce a prgressive company tax rate, or rules (like limits on number of liquor licenses a Corp can own), making it easier for small businesses to compete.
Now, I will make a value judgement: soulless chains, and massive businesses are not good for society for many reasons. I would much rather live in a world of many competing small businesses, than a homogeneous pastiche of mediocrity.
Millennials And Gen Zs are also more anxious and stressed than previous generations.