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Transcript/Script((PLAYBOOK SLUG: SOBER BAR
HEADLINE: Colorado’s First Sober Bar Offers Alternatives to Alcohol
TEASER: Its customers, who choose to abstain from alcohol, enjoy breaking the link between going out and drinking
PUBLISHED AT: 7/11/2022 at 7:15am
BYLINE: Svitlana Prystynska
DATELINE: Denver
VIDEOGRAPHER:
VIDEO EDITOR:
SCRIPT EDITORS: SKS, Reifenrath
VIDEO SOURCE (S): VOA original
PLATFORMS: WEB _X_, TV _X_, RADIO _X_
TRT: 2:35
VID APPROVED BY: MAS
TYPE: TVPKG
EDITOR NOTES:))
((INTRO))
[[Public health officials say one of the effects of the coronavirus lockdowns was that more people drank alcohol more heavily, with the World Health Organization warning of exacerbated health concerns and an increase in risky behaviors. As more bars reopen, Svitlana Prystynska takes us to one with a novel approach to drinking.]]
((NARRATOR))
The Denver, Colorado, bar Awake looks like most other drinking spots but with one big difference — there is no alcohol. Bar manager Grace Mestecky.
((Grace Mestecky, Awake Manager))
"We promotE a sober-curious lifestyle and welcome anyone who is willing to not drink alcohol."
((NARRATOR))
Over “mocktails” and other alcohol alternatives, Mestecky says, many regular customers talk about getting out from under the social isolation and stress that led to more drinking during the pandemic.
((Grace Mestecky, Awake Manager))
"We want to make sure that everyone feels totally safe and awesome in this space. We do have a lot of events that focus on social events at this bar, just without alcohol. We have a singles night every Wednesday so that people can come out and meet people who are also sober-curious."
((NARRATOR))
Customer Taylor Brenner says live music nights Thursday and Friday make not drinking alcohol feel less outside U.S. social norms.
((Taylor Brenner, Awake Customer))
"I’ve been sober for a year and two months. It is definitely something to give up when you stop drinking, like socializing, so it is nice to have a place where you can go and socialize and feel no pressure to drink."
((NARRATOR))
Removing alcohol from the social equation is also a relief for some of Awake’s employees. Social media manager Jaclyn Church.
((Jaclyn Church, Awake Social Media Manager))
I love the environment. I love not having to worry about getting inappropriate comments.
((NARRATOR))
Bartender Megan Owner says it is a life-changer.
((Megan Owner, Awake Bartender))
"Honestly, I might sound very dramatic, but working here really has saved my life. Being in the environment where I can still be myself, be creative, enjoy drinks and make other people happy with these drinks, but not having a negative side effect of drinking."
((NARRATOR))
For customer Taylor Abrego, Awake helps break the presumption that going out and having fun means drinking alcohol.
((Taylor Abrego, Awake Customer))
"I’ve been sober for four years, and it is so exciting to have a sober place to chill and socialize with my friends not under the pressure of drinking. I just find this place very relaxing."
((NARRATOR))
With more bars offering nonalcoholic alternatives to attract sober customers, Awake’s owners are looking to open new locations in other parts of Colorado, with an eye to expanding outside the state.
((Svitlana Prystynska for VOA News, Denver, Colorado))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
NetworkVOA
Location (dateline)Denver
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
