T....in the clubs years ago...when the "BOYS" would buy shots I'd come over to the bar after a set or to the tables and there would be maybe 5 or 6 shot glasses turned upside down on the counter just waiting for me from the "family"......but the barkeeps all knew I didn't drink & that they would always keep a Empty Vodka bottle under the bar full of water just for these
"have a drink with us" moments,...this way I wouldn't get drunk to keep playing,....and I had a way to not show any "disrespect" to them...I'd just raise my glass and say "Salute".....& thank you and all was well. Not to mention many times the from them the "gratuities" were better then my nights salary also..
Ciao
Donny, "Not to disrespect them"...they paid for vodka and it was water..
I have a different approach...Just no thanks," I don't drink...unless we can get a milk shake here"
I use to get the "buy you a drink" all the time too...but I never cared for booze...I remember ..it was October 1989, a waitress bought me a drink, and I told her this will be the last drink for me....and it was..True story, and no I never had a drinking problem
...but why put yourself into a position that you have to do what someone else wants you to do...
It hasn't been a problem for me to decline a "drink"...and I don't ever recall someone that was insulted..as for the establishment...I did my best to keep the customer there..they didn't need my "drink"..