Ask Amy: It’s tough to be young and sober at the clubs
Never accept a drink from anyone other than directly from your trusted companion or from the bartender.
Your professional bartender is your friend here. State that you aren’t drinking alcohol and ask for suggestions of a good substitute. A seasoned bartender will give you alternatives and also take this as a cue to keep an eye on you. If you ever feel threatened or even uncomfortable, let the bartender and/or club security know.
(No matter what you’re drinking, tip the bar staff well.)
Regarding explaining your sobriety, it would be easy for you to lie:
“I’m celebrating ‘Dry July.’”
“I’m running a marathon tomorrow.”
“Shhhhhh – I’m pregnant.”
“One more DUI and I’m in the slammer.”
“I need to stay sober so I won’t slip in your vomit later.”
But owning your sobriety looks something like this: “I don’t drink because I don’t want to. Thank you for respecting my choice.”
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