South Floridians are drinking less alcohol. Why is that?
$15 for a martini? $18 for a glass of chardonnay? Many South Floridians who love to socialize are showing no interest in double-digit drink prices. And it’s not only the costs that are keeping partiers away.
Some who have altered their drinking habits appear to be responding to the latest advice on how much alcohol is safe, which is little to none.
Such behavior has proved deeply disturbing to restaurant owners that had depended on intoxicating beverages to make up for small margins on food sales. Jason Lakow, partner in two Tropical Smokehouse restaurants in Palm Beach County, said he has seen a 30% decrease in alcohol revenue over the past five years. Restaurateur Burt Rapoport said 45% of income at his Deck 84 in Delray Beach came from alcohol 15 years ago; in 2026, it’s down to 33%.