DUBLINERS looking for a big night out without the after-effects are expected to be lining up for a new pharmacy-inspired alcohol-free bar.
The very appropriately-named Virgin Mary opened its doors for the first time on Fri 10 May, in the heart of the Irish capital, not far from the city's Guinness brewery, promising patrons a booze-free experience.
Co-owners and veterans of the Irish drinks industry, Vaughan Yates and Oisin Davis, said the interior of The Virgin Mary has been based on a "Dutch pharmacy".
The pub's drinks menu will feature mocktails instead of cocktails, non-alcoholic beers, wines (even champagne) and mixers (with nothing to mix with).
"The idea came from the fact that I think we're at the beginning of a cultural shift in terms of people's attitudes towards alcohol," Yates told the Independent.ie news website.
"Timing, people's change to how they moderate what they drink, and the new products that have come out onto the market have made it possible to do this.
"I love spirits, I like drinking good whiskeys and rums, but I did feel there was something missing in the market for people that don't drink.
"I really wanted to open it in Dublin, because I think Dublin has this ingrained culture of drinking," he understatedly added.
Unlike nights out at other establishments in Dublin, patrons of The Virgin Mary probably won't be looking for a pharmacy the following morning.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 13 May 19
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