I‘d disagree on that. Yes, sharing something to drink is a good way to “lubricate social gatherings” but alcohol does not need to be involved. One beer is not enough for that anyways for most people, especially if you take into account the time it takes to take effect anyways. Here in Germany, if you drink one beer you’re also still allowed to drive
And at least in my experience, a cold coke or a hot cup of tea is just as "lubricating“. The alcohol is not necessary. Of course, if you go for a second, third or fourth beer, it becomes a whole different story but with one beer it’s more of a symbolic toast than anything.
Besides, here in Germany, people who drink 0% beer are in some situations (in a joking way) more shunned than people who drink soda and yet both soda and 0% (especially 0% Hefeweizen) are being served and enjoyed.
I‘d disagree on that. Yes, sharing something to drink is a good way to “lubricate social gatherings” but alcohol does not need to be involved. One beer is not enough for that anyways for most people, especially if you take into account the time it takes to take effect anyways. Here in Germany, if you drink one beer you’re also still allowed to drive
And at least in my experience, a cold coke or a hot cup of tea is just as "lubricating“. The alcohol is not necessary. Of course, if you go for a second, third or fourth beer, it becomes a whole different story but with one beer it’s more of a symbolic toast than anything.
Besides, here in Germany, people who drink 0% beer are in some situations (in a joking way) more shunned than people who drink soda and yet both soda and 0% (especially 0% Hefeweizen) are being served and enjoyed.