Last Call for the Shout: Why Aussies Are Buying Their Own Drinks

For generations, the act of buying a round “shouting” mates a drink has been a pillar of Australian pub culture. But that tradition is fading. New data and on-the-ground observations reveal how evolving habits, financial pressures, and digital habits are reshaping the way Aussies socialise over a drink.

The Numbers Behind the Shift

According to a recent report by Tyro Payments, nearly half of Australians (49%) have changed their drinking habits due to cost-of-living pressures, with 10% cutting out alcohol entirely. More strikingly, people are now 35% less likely to buy rounds compared to only a year ago.

Young Drinkers Lead the Way

Younger generations. Millennials and Gen Z are the strongest adopters of this trend:

• 42% of Millennials,

• 38% of Gen Z,

Report using QR codes to order their own drinks specifically to sidestep round-buying etiquette. This shift isn’t just about avoiding a shout, it’s about gaining control, staying budget-conscious, and reducing awkwardness in group settings. Why keeping the QR code payments is a must in attracting younger crowd to your venue.

Pub Owners Confirm the Culture is Changing

At venues like the East Village Hotel in Sydney, guests now typically buy their own drinks, even during celebratory occasions.

“Even for birthdays or celebrations, they are more likely to just buy the birthday person a drink rather than shout the whole table,” says Brian Sarkis, general manager of ArtHouse Hotel and co-owner of East Village Hotel.”

Why It Matters

Cost of Living Pressures: Rounds are expensive (often over $100) and seen as impractical.

Budget-Conscious Behaviour: Patrons plan spending ahead, preferring individual control.

Technological Convenience: QR codes and contactless payments make solo orders easy.

Cultural Shift Toward Individualism: The social pressure to shout is being replaced with fairness and transparency.

What This Means for Pubs & Clubs

• Adapt to Tech Preferences: Promote digital menus and QR ordering to meet evolving guest expectations.

• Rethink Promotions: Offer individual-focused deals rather than “round discounts.”

• Offer discounts and rewards if paying via QR codes: Make sure it’s never more expensive than ordering at the bar. QR ordering also lets patrons create personal accounts, collect loyalty points, and redeem them on future visits—helping drive repeat business.

• Communicate Value: Embrace transparency and respect patrons’ budgeting needs, positioning your venue as both modern and considerate.

• Increase in Individual Transactions: With more patrons ordering for themselves via QR codes, venues can see higher transaction volume. Instead of a single round order, five friends may now place five separate transactions, increasing opportunities to upsell with add-ons like snacks, cocktails, or premium options.

• Data-Driven Loyalty: QR code ordering creates digital footprints. Patrons who sign up for an account can be tied into loyalty programs, allowing venues to track spend, reward repeat visits, and tailor offers. Instead of the anonymous “round,” venues gain valuable customer data that fuels smarter marketing.

• Reduced Service Bottlenecks: Traditional bar service often stalls during busy periods, especially when big rounds are ordered. QR code payments spread demand more evenly, easing pressure on staff and improving service times.

• Adapting to Generational Shifts
  Younger patrons value transparency, control over their spend, and digital convenience. By embracing QR code ordering, pubs and clubs align with what Gen Z and Millennials already expect, ensuring relevance for the next wave of loyal customers.

• Opportunities for Personalisation
  With individual orders comes the chance to customise recommendations, suggest a food pairing, promote a limited-edition beer, or highlight upcoming events. QR menus can act as a mini-marketing platform for the venue.

Bottom line: While the decline of round-buying may feel like a cultural loss, for pubs and clubs it’s a commercial gain if approached strategically. Digital ordering means more data, more loyalty touchpoints, and more personalised marketing opportunities — all of which drive stronger relationships with patrons and more predictable revenue.