The Origins and Evolution of Comedy Clubs’ “2 Drink Minimums”
Club owners will say “the ticket money goes to the comics and the drink money goes to the house” LIARS!!! Outside of the Comedy Cellar, Boston Comedy Club, theaters, and private gigs…i can’t think of anywhere that hasn’t paid me like shit….if at all! Most clubs can keep their comic costs under $200 per show even if they sell out.
I’m not here to shit on clubs they’re amazing and you should go…. but, let’s talk about it.
Comedy clubs have been an integral part of the live entertainment scene for decades, attracting people seeking a lighthearted, engaging night out. A staple of the comedy club experience is the “2 drink minimum”, which has become a default practice in the genre. I never really understood where it came about. People typically tend to drink more than that on a weekend night out — or maybe that’s just me. But why the need to enforce minimums when there’s a cost of entry?
Early Beginnings
The concept of a “2 drink minimum” traces its roots back to the early days of comedy clubs in the mid-20th century. The first recognized comedy club, The Improv, opened its doors in New York City in 1963, founded by Budd Friedman. His goal was to provide a platform for comedians to for aspiring comedians to showcase their talents in an intimate and supportive setting.
Budd eventually realized that the upkeep of a comedy club was a financial nightmare. Sounds weird right? Standard comedy club seats 100 people, everyone pays $25 for a ticket, 2 shows a night = $5000 revenue. You do this 4 nights a week, 4 weeks per month and you have $80,000…WOW. But then you gotta pay the comics, the wait staff, the doorman, security, pay the rent, insurance, electric, heat, water, pay the marketing expenses, pay your taxes, pay the piper… EVERYONE’S GOTTA GET PAID!
So they implemented a 2 drink minimum — now they can get $50 per customer and increase that $80k per month to $160k.
It’s a little deeper than dollar signs
The decision to introduce a drink minimum policy was multifaceted. Not only did it help generate consistent revenue, but it also helped the comics do better. You’re more likely to laugh if you’re buzzed right? Comedy thrives in an environment where the audience is engaged, open and, most importantly, laughing like it’s the first time they’ve ever heard a joke. Booze and comedy go together like peanut butter and tahini (don’t judge me until you’ve tried it).
Weed and comedy though? Surprisingly not so much. Nothing worse than when you’re on stage and you can tell an audience member is sitting there thinking, “can everyone else hear my finger nails growing?”
But, from a business perspective, the “2 drink minimum” policy acted as a financial buffer. Opening a comedy club is risky. You just don’t sell out every night. I’ve worked at clubs like the Comic Strip on a Wednesday night when there were 200 people, and some weekend nights where there were 15. So the drink minimum basically guarantees that if you sell at least 50% of the room capacity, you make as much revenue as a sell out.
Over time, the “2 drink minimum” policy evolved beyond its financial benefits. It became an integral part of the comedy club culture, contributing to the unique experience of attending a live comedy show. Comedians even riff about it with the crowd.
Criticism and Controversy
This is a nice time to plug DTF Comedy — we don’t do “drink minimums.” We think it’s shallow and pedantic — feels like a spirit airlines flight. Sure the tickets $65 but bringing on anything larger than a purse is an extra $50. Want a seat? That’s an extra $30. Prefer to stand instead? $50. So, a DTF ticket might cost you $35- $40 but you’ll get all the drinks you can handle (often 4 drinks included or open bar). Or we have other shows that are BYOB but the tickets are only $20. No one wants to be told what to do literally EVER. We live in an entitled society. Get with it or get out.
People don’t seem to like it but they understand it’s just a sunk cost for a comedy show. I hear a lot of people say they would’ve bought more drinks if they didn’t make them buy 2. But I have it on pretty good authority that club owners who have tried to eliminate the tradition form their clubs found people didn’t buy any drinks at all (f*ckin weenies). I think drinking is a great way to immerse yourself in a comedy show. My sponsor told me that I can do it without being intoxicated. I told him to kick rocks. He was like “go back to rehab!” I was like “make me!” …..
What was I saying?
Right..
While the “2 drink minimum” policy has been a cornerstone of comedy club culture, it has also faced criticism. Some argue that it can be an unwelcome expense for patrons, especially those who may not drink alcohol or have budget constraints. Additionally, there have been complaints about the quality and price of the drinks, leading to concerns about fairness and value for money.
In response to these criticisms, some comedy clubs have started to offer alternatives such as a food minimum or reduced pricing for non-alcoholic beverages. I’ve even been to clubs where they just have a spending minimum…that one feels the weirdest.
The aim is to maintain the revenue stream while providing options that accommodate a wider range of preferences and financial situations.
Conclusion
In conclusion I think that if you want to have your funny bones professionally tickled, you should see live comedy. But, if you’re balling on a budget or just don’t like being told what to do you should come to DTF Comedy. We’re revolutioninzing the comedy club experience!