Getting a round in...

[0iD]

According to the Beeb, Britian is the world's most dedicated exponent of buying drinks in rounds.

The British retain their status as Europe's most dedicated buyers of rounds, but what lies behind this piece of pub etiquette?
It's rather like being told donkeys still eat strawberries or that bears continue to regard the woods as a toilet, but a survey has suggested that Britons like buying drinks in rounds.

The survey of 7,500 people across 15 European countries has found that in Britain - as well as Sweden - 82% of respondents are happy to buy a round of beer.

It's a cornerstone of British culture, the idea that friends or colleagues sitting in the pub should not march up to the bar and buy their drinks separately. They should not even get one set of drinks and then sit down and work out who owes what.

For many people the only socially acceptable way to do things is to get a round in.
BBC NEWS | Magazine | Getting your round in

But I do know some people, women mostly, that point blank refuse to buy a round, or are 'round shirkers'.

But is the practice dying? or is the British thing to do!

[Bazzlad]

I hat drinking with Ladyboys who decided that expensive cocktails are the way forward - "Look mate, you can have a pint or sod all!"

[tiggerai]

I will always buy a round, if I am flush enough to afford it.

If I'm not, I will apologise and buy my own. I'd hope that my friends would appreciate that I don't have as much disposable income as I would like and that the thought its there.

Also, I will rarely buy a round in london as it would pretty much bankrupt me.

[menthel]

I never shirk on my round responsibility.

[pollaxe]

Always get a round in!

[99Flake]

Round every time, unless I am really skint, in which I will explain.

[Salazaar]

In a busy bar it's the only sensible option.

[Guy]

I usually do, unless im driving and on the cokes, then I pretty much just pay my own way.

[Lee H]

Wha...

Anyone for a drink?

I'll get the rounds in unless people start taking the michael and ordering things like bottles of wine and stuff

[Salazaar]

It's all fine until later on in the night (after about 5 pints in my case ) and you can't remember what you're buying or for who and you end up with one vast round of whatever crap the bar happens to be promoting that week.

[Guy]

Lightweight

No im usually pretty good at round buying, unless im actually broke, driving, or ppl are just taking the piss.

[wombar]

Always get a round in if its my turn, absolutely hate round dodgers.

[IBM]

Rounds. Basically 'cause they were always a good way of getting a sessions started. Less than 3 people, mid afternoon session. 3-5 people, decent mid week evening session, 5-7 a nice sunday afternoon session, 7+ Friday night.

[pauldarkside]

Very, very rare I go to a bar to drink these days, reserved for when eating out so option 4 for me.

Rounds are all very good when either a) you're drinking pretty much the same as everyone else (ie not driving), b) you're flush so don't care or c) you're too drunk to notice.

[Lucio]

On the rare occasions I'm out drinking with others, my normal code is offer drinks whenever I'm going to the bar myself. Mostly because I drink like a fish anyway, I tend to be at the bar twice as often as anyone else (even if it's just diet coke!)

[Blitzen]

If i didnt have enough cash to get the beers in i would stay at home.

Interestingly though, how much do you normally take out with you on the 'razz'?

I personally dont feel comfortable if i go out for a night out with less than £60-70 in my pocket.

Its important to have enough for:
1. As much beer as possible.
2. Emergency cash for a new shirt if dirted with anything.
3. Taxi fare .... you never know
4. Enough to buy a hottie a few drinks if you think you are on a winner (dont tell the Mrs though)
5. MOST IMPORTANTLY ........ some solids after all the beer