Bar (establishment)

A bar, also known as a saloon, a tavern, or sometimes as a pub or club, is a retail business that serves alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, liquor, and cocktails. People often visit bars to enjoy drinks and have fun with friends.

Bars sometimes offer snack foods, like chips (crisps) or peanuts, for people to eat while they drink. Some bars, especially pubs, may also have food from a restaurant.

The word "bar" comes from the metal or wooden barrier you often see in these places. This barrier separates where drinks are made from the rest of the room.

History

There have been many names for places where people gather to drink throughout history. In the Thirteen Colonies of North America, a tavern was a popular meeting place. During the 1800s, saloons were important for workers to enjoy their free time. Today, no matter what you call the place—like a tavern, saloon, or pub in the United Kingdom—the part where the person serves drinks is usually called "the bar".

In the early 1900s, many countries made it illegal to sell or drink alcohol. In the United States, hidden bars during this time were called "speakeasies", "blind pigs", and "blind tigers".

Legal restrictions

In many places, there are rules about who can go into a bar and what they can drink. For example, in some U.S. states like California, children are not allowed to enter a bar. In the UK, children can be in a bar, but there are places that also serve food. In some areas, children can be in a bar but they cannot drink alcohol unless they are with their parents. Bars also have rules about not serving drinks to people who have had too much. Cities often decide where bars can be located and what kinds of drinks they can serve. Some bars can only serve beer and wine, not stronger drinks. In some places, people must buy food along with their drinks.

In many Islamic countries, bars and the sale of alcohol are not allowed for religious reasons. However, some countries like Qatar and the United Arab Emirates allow bars in certain areas, but only for people who do not follow the Islamic faith to drink.

Types

Bar owners and managers pick things like the bar's name, decorations, drinks, and lighting to attract certain kinds of people. But they can't always control who comes. For example, a bar meant for one group might later become popular with a different group. Bars can also be part of larger places like hotels or nightclubs.

There are many types of bars. Some serve only wine, while others focus on beer. Some have live music, while others might have dancing or comedy. Each type of bar offers something special to its visitors.

Entertainment

Bars can also be known for the entertainment they provide. Some have video games, others have live music, and some feature comedy or dancing. Each kind of bar brings its own fun activities for people to enjoy.

Bar (counter)

The counter where drinks are served by a bartender is called "the bar." This word is used for places called bars where people go to drink. The counter usually has many kinds of beers, wines, liquors, and other drinks that are not alcoholic, making it easy for the bartender to work.

Sometimes, counters that serve food or drinks that are not alcoholic are also called bars. Examples include snack bars, sushi bars, juice bars, salad bars, dairy bars, and ice cream sundae bars.

In fiction

Main article: List of fictional bars and pubs

Bars are often used in stories and movies. Many famous imaginary bars have been created. Examples include the bar in Cheers, the Cocktails and Dreams bar in Cocktail (1988), the Copacabana bar in Goodfellas, the Double Deuce in Road House (1989), The Kit Kat Klub in Cabaret, the Korova Milk Bar in A Clockwork Orange, the Mos Eisley cantina-bar in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977), and the Steinway Beer Garden from Grand Theft Auto IV.