Gay Bars That Offer Free Water May Lower HIV Risk in Patrons

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Readily available hydration may cut down on drunkenness, which itself may increase the likelihood of risky sex.

December 29, 2016

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By offering free self-serve water, gay bars may reduce drunkenness among their patrons and in turn men’s risk of contracting HIV, SF Weekly reports. Alcohol intake may impair an individual’s judgment and lead to sex that poses a greater risk of HIV transmission.

Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation conducted a study in which they placed cups and water pitchers at two gay bars in San Francisco. They conducted Breathalyzer tests on patrons leaving these bars as well as on those departing two control gay bars that did not have free water stations.

The investigators found that the men in the two bars with the water stations left the establishments less intoxicated than those who left the control bars.

There’s no word yet on whether bar owners would be keen on a scheme that would reduce the number of drinks patrons order.

To read the SF Weekly article, click here.

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