The cherished Australian ritual of buying a round of drinks for your mates at the pub is being quietly extinguished by the relentless pressure of the cost-of-living crisis. New research confirms that soaring prices are forcing a fundamental shift in how we socialise, turning a once-automatic gesture of camaraderie into an unaffordable luxury for many.
The Data: A Tradition Under Financial Strain
A national survey conducted by the comparison site Finder, involving more than 1000 people, has laid bare the financial strain impacting our social habits. The key finding is stark: almost one in three Australians (approximately 30%) has completely stopped shouting food or drinks for friends over the past year in an effort to save money.
An additional 17 per cent of those surveyed reported they have significantly cut back on purchasing rounds while out with friends. This shift marks a dramatic move away from the communal 'round' system towards more individualised spending, as people grapple with the reality of paying up to $15 for a single beer.
Gender Divide and the Etiquette of the Shout
Interestingly, the research uncovered a notable gender gap in who is pulling back from this tradition. Women (32%) were significantly more likely than men (21%) to have reduced their participation in shouting rounds when socialising.
Finder's money expert, Rebecca Pike, explained that the simple act of buying a round is no longer the easy decision it once was. "Money is tight for a lot of Aussies right now so even something as simple as buying a round can feel like a financial stretch," Ms Pike said. She highlighted the financial risk involved, noting that not everyone reliably returns the favour, which can be a serious blow for those budgeting carefully.
"For someone living pay cheque to pay cheque, that $40 or $50 round could mean going without something essential later in the week," she added.
Navigating the New Social Spending Reality
With the tradition fading, experts are advising on new etiquette for group spending. Ms Pike offered several practical tips for those who still engage in rounds:
- Strictly adhere to a pre-set budget and actively track your spending.
- Follow the unwritten rule: buy the more expensive drink on your turn, not your mate's.
- Utilise bill-splitting apps to ensure everyone pays their fair share effortlessly, removing the awkwardness and financial risk.
The economic backdrop for this social change remains challenging. While the Reserve Bank has provided some relief with interest rate cuts, lingering inflation continues to stretch household budgets. Official data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that the price of alcohol and tobacco rose by 1.6 per cent between the June and September quarters of 2025. This increase was substantially higher than for food and non-alcoholic beverages, making it the third-highest rising category in the economy.
The conclusion is clear: the iconic Aussie shout, a tradition as ingrained as Vegemite, is becoming a casualty of economic necessity, reshaping not just our wallets but the very fabric of how we connect with friends.
