One in three are ’round-dodgers’
One in three Brits admit to ‘dodging’ rounds in the pub, a study has revealed. Researchers found millions of drinkers admit to hiding in toilets, sneaking outside for a cigarette or even leaving the pub completely to get out of having to get some drinks in.
Others owned up to claiming to have forgotten their wallet, letting everyone else into the pub first so they get to bar ahead of them and drinking slowly as it approaches their turn so someone else gets up to buy the next round.
It also emerged that men are most likely to duck out of a drinks round, with 38% of guys admitting they try to get out of their turn compared to just 31% of women.
A spokeswoman for Marston’s Pedigree said: “There is almost an unwritten rule book when it comes to buying rounds on nights out with friends, and all those who try to avoid their turn are going against it.
“Timing your trips to the toilet or cigarette breaks are all quite crafty ways of getting out of having to put your hand in your pocket.
“But when you are out with friends or work colleagues, it’s important to do the right thing to avoid any rows.
“If you are trying to get out of a round, instead of lying or making up an excuse, just be honest and say money is tight.
“Friends will understand and let you make it up when you have some extra cash, and you get to stay true to yourself instead of having to lie or do all you can to avoid having to go to the bar.”
The study of 2,000 adults found that while 71% are ‘keen to pay their way’ and chip in when it’s their turn to buy a round, one in five often hang back to avoid parting with any cash.
And almost one in ten admit they won’t ever buy a round.
Getting to the pub early to buy your own drink before everyone else arrives is the most common way to avoid forking out for a full round, following by drinking slowly so others get bored of waiting and go to get the drinks instead.
Letting friends file into the pub ahead of you so they get to the bar first, going to the toilet and waiting until last in the hope that some of the group have gone home complete the top five.
Other ways to get out of a round include pretending you have to leave before your turn, acting like you have an important phone call to make or getting the drinks in before everyone has arrived so it’s cheaper.
Four in ten Brits also admitted to getting an expensive drink when someone else is buying, only to go for the cheapest option or even a soft drink when it’s their turn to put their hand in their pocket.
But dipping out of rounds doesn’t end well for everyone with more than one in five saying it has led to fall outs among their friendship circle.
And four in ten even avoid inviting certain friends out for a drink because they know they won’t buy their fair share of drinks.
The study also found that of those who have tried to avoid getting a round in the past, one in ten claims they don’t care if it annoys the people they are with.
But 17% they worry what people think of them when they try to dodge a round.
A spokeswoman for Marston’s Pedigree added:
”No-one likes a round dodger, especially when you’re taking time to savour your favourite pint.
”We’re urging drinkers to stay true to themselves and if there is a round-dodger in your group make sure it isn’t you.”
Top ten ways to dodge a round
1. Get to the pub early to buy your own drink before everyone else arrives
2. Drink slowly when it’s your turn next so someone else gets up to get one before you are ready
3. Hold the door open and let the group in ahead of you so you get to the bar behind everyone else
4. Go to the toilet
5. Wait until last in the hope some or most people have left by then
6. Said you had to leave as it’s coming up to your turn
7. Go out for a cigarette
8. Pretend your forgot your wallet
9. Pretend to get an important phone call
10. Buy a round before everyone gets there so there are fewer people
