Why Gen Z Prefer Paying Per Drink Over Opening Bar Tabs

On a late Saturday evening at Bar Lubitsch, a cocktail lounge in West Hollywood famous for its quirky Soviet-themed décor and chilled vodka concoctions, Scott Korinke and Nolan Marks moved away from the crowded dance floor toward the bar.

Korinke, 26, requested a martini for himself and a vodka Red Bull for Marks, 25. As he pulled out his Visa card from a green leather wallet, the bartender called out above the music, asking if he wanted to open a tab. Korinke declined and paid immediately.

Although they might order additional drinks later, Korinke was firm about not opening a tab. He explained, “I don’t want to leave my credit card at the bar because I’m not sure how long I’ll stay, so I prefer to settle up right away,” adding with a smile that he has “commitment issues.”

This behavior exemplifies a rising trend among Generation Z patrons: a widespread reluctance to start bar tabs. Many in their twenties prefer to pay after each individual drink, much to the frustration of bartenders.

Several factors contribute to this shift. As a generation that generally consumes less alcohol than previous ones, the idea of running up a large tab can feel overwhelming. Accustomed to quick, one-time transactions often made via smartphone taps, they treat ordering drinks similarly to buying a coffee. Additionally, concerns about losing track of expenses by leaving cards behind the bar lead many to opt for immediate payment.