Loud Music At Bars: Explained!

Ever try to have a conversation with a friend at a bar but find it difficult to talk or even hear yourself think because that Ke$ha song is on and the establishment has turned it up to 11? Well, there may be a reason the bartenders are aurally assaulting you, even when their bar is pretty much empty and there is no reason for this to be sonically drilled into your skull when you are just trying to have a happy hour beer. Ahem:

It had been found that environmental music was associated with an increase in alcohol consumption. The presence versus absence of music, high versus slow tempo and the different styles of environmental music is associated with different level of alcohol consumption.

According to the study ("Sound Level of Environmental Music and Drinking Behavior: A Field Experiment With Beer Drinkers"), music played at higher volumes led to increased, as well as faster, alcohol consumption. But where's the study showing how many people simply leave a bar when the music is too loud? [via Andrew Sullivan]

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By Jen Carlson in Arts & Entertainment on February 22, 2010 10:53 AM

Comments [rss]

valeriob

Loud music promotes a more intimate conversation where physical contact is also likely; say, a hand on shoulder or cupped hand on a strangers ear.

I'd be more interested in reading a study on how much better looking people are when the lights are dimmed.

JenChungsBaby

Or a boob pressed into one's ribs.

Ed

This is also something I suspected was happening and its nice to see it confirmed. But its much worse when restaurants do this.

theboneranger

i always thought loud music at bars was to drown out the sound of alcohol induced manic conversations going on around you.

ihaveopinions

I have been wondering: Are you a Bone Ranger, or Boner Anger?

theboneranger

eiver or, bofe.

Snoopy

"But where's the study showing how many people simply leave a bar when the music is too loud?" You got that one right.

If I'm at my local watering hole and the place is only semi crowded and the bartender blasts some "music" I usually yell at them "TURN THAT SHIT DOWN!"

gaycurmudgeon

People drink more because they're frustrated they can't get laid. They can't get laid because no one can hear what they're saying. No one can hear what they're saying because the music's too loud.

See how that works?

glob

People hearing what I say can only hinder my chances of getting laid.

LaliP

thanks for the story! i thought i was the only one annoyed by this. pretty much the reason i stopped going to bars. all the hip places play music so loud and it doesn't make sense, it's not like the place is a dance club.

so now i drink at home. alone.

now can we discuss RESTAURANTS that have this problem??? anyone ever try to have dinner at roebling tea room? you're pretty much forced to just stare at your date since you can't converse...