If you are not Australian, you won’t be familiar with the drinking traditions that are practiced Down Under. However, if you are Australian or have family or friends that are- then you will be more than familiar with the traditions. However, either way, let’s take a moment to go over the drinking traditions that are practiced Down Under:
Australian Beer
Enjoying a cold beer is one of the many things that many Australians enjoy doing. Even though beer is not as popular as it once was- it is still a huge part of the Australian culture. And, most Australian beers are quite heavy because the average one has around 5 percent alcohol, or even more! Lighter beers have anywhere between 2 to 3 percent alcohol.
Another sign that beer is an important part of the country’s culture is that you can find any beer at any pub in the larger cities in Australia. Not to mention, it is not unheard of to have 10 to 20 beers on tap.
The unfortunate thing is that two major breweries in Australia had been sold to companies that are overseas. However, the companies that had purchased the breweries are still advertising the beer as Australian. And, it is also a way for these breweries to bring the Australian culture into their countries.
Australian Pubs
The pub and club scene in Australia has been changing over time in conjunction with the beer. At one time, if someone Down Under wanted to go to a local pub, they would get 2 or 3 others together, go to the pub, hear their friends have to say about their days and nights and get drunk.
However, even though there are some small pubs around Australia that are still very much like that – it is now the exception and no longer the rule. Most typical Australian pubs not only have more beer on tap, but also included a restaurant within the bars, and you could get a high-quality meal. There are also some more out of the ordinary where your beer is served by topless barmaids.
Australian pubs also sell expensive wines and spirits, as the beer is not the only alcoholic beverage that you could get. However, it is also rare to enjoy a live band as you could a long time ago at an Australian pub. The band rooms that used to hold live bands have now been replaced by slot machines or Pokies. And, people do use them, a little too much. In fact, many people just throw their money away at these slot machines hoping they will end up winning big.
Pub rules have changed over time too, as now flip-flops are prohibited as you will have to wear shoes. The only time wearing sandals may be allowed is if women are wearing classy and expensive sandals. Then, they may get a free pass. Men also cannot wear any kind of singlet to a pub.
However, because these pubs are just restaurants during the day, you will find that they turn into clubs at 8 pm, and then those who are wearing flip-flops or singlets- then they will be told to leave if they are and to come back in shoes and without a single, if you are a man.
Now, you know a little bit of how Australian pubs and the beer drinking aspects of the culture have changed over the years.
