American slams Australians for asking guests to bring their own drinks to parties: ‘It’s childish’
An American has sparked a debate about Australian party culture after discovering a ‘weird’ custom that everyone Down Under is used to.
Brian, from the US, recently went to a party and was stunned that he was expected to drink only the alcohol he brought.
He explained that in America, the hosts typically provide alcohol for the group and if anyone brings anything extra, they are only adding to the host’s liquor supply.
‘My logic is: if you’re having a party, why not be a hospitable host and actually have a drink? “If I have to bring my own drinks, I’d rather go to a bar,” he said.
Most house parties in Australia have a general ‘BYO’ rule where guests bring their own alcohol unless otherwise stated.
An American has sparked a debate about Australian party culture after discovering a ‘weird’ custom that everyone Down Under is used to
Brian added: ‘Australians are very communal, except when it comes to alcohol.’
He told about an ‘awkward’ encounter he had experienced at a party.
“So a girl brought sparkling wine and she drained it. I got all excited and told her I wanted some. But she was shocked and said it was hers.
‘She wanted to put it on the table with the other drinks, but picked it up and took it to the other side of the room because she thought I was going to drink it. It was like she was in year 3!’
The American couldn’t believe the cultural difference between the two countries.
‘It’s about gathering people in your home. I’m just saying, if I have to bring my own drinks, pay for them and drink with my friends, let’s just go to a bar and skip the cheap part. Frankly, it’s childish,” he said.
Hundreds of Australians called Brian ‘cheap’ because of his beliefs.
“Oh my god, I’m so ashamed of you for finding this remarkable. Haven’t you been out of the US before?’ someone asked.
“Alcohol is very expensive in Australia, it would cost thousands to buy drinks for everyone,” said another.
‘Have you seen the alcohol prices in Australia?! I can’t afford to give away my drinks,” one woman wrote.
‘Drinking at least $50 worth of alcohol per person is normal. How much do you think the host should spend?’ asked another.
“You would hate my group of friends, we all bring a plate of food too,” said one woman.