A tight economy is seeing fewer Australians buy their mates a drink or meal at the pub as splitting the bill becomes the much more preferred option.
It’s being called “the death of the shout”.
The proud tradition may be the latest victim of inflation as a full round for a table of seven soars to $120.
“That’s true … the drink is too expensive,” one pubgoer said.
“It’s a lot less common now, maybe close friends only,” another weighed in.
“I think it’s up to two to three people … I mean it’s a good excuse but it is a cost of living crisis.”
More than half of people surveyed now say they are less likely to shout their mates than they used to be, according to data by NAB.
Those figures are significantly higher for younger Aussies as 72 per cent avoid buying a round.
“What we are seeing is much more thoughtful spending by Australians in the current cost of living scenario,” NAB everyday banking executive Kylie Young said.
Senator Jane Hume, the chair of the Federal Cost of Living Committee, said if you’re feeling poorer, it’s because you are poorer.
“I hope it’s not the death of the Australian shout but I can understand why people would be doing it tough,” she said.
“Real disposable incomes have gone backwards by 7.8 per cent in the last two years so it’s not in your head.”
The cost of living crisis is a topic popping up everywhere, especially over drinks.
“It’s much more open and no longer taboo to talk about your budgets and how you’re thinking about your finances,” Young said.
So, buying your mates a beer is still happening but under strict conditions.
“As long as they get one back,” a pubgoer said.
