As the world of nightlife evolves, bars are exploring new ways to attract and engage patrons, and one technology that has recently caught their attention is non-fungible (NFTs). These digital assets are stored on blockchain networks and have the potential to transform the bar experience in various ways.

COLLECTIBLE DRINKS

One way NFTs could be used is by creating collectible drinks. Bars could create unique, limited-edition drinks that can be purchased and collected by patrons as NFTs.

For instance, Sago House, a popular bar in Singapore, offers cocktail enthusiasts the chance to own a piece of their history by launching Sago House Cocktail NFTs. Buyers of these NFTs have exclusive access to a time capsule menu of six cocktails that were only served for a week and then removed permanently.

HIMKOK, a bar and microbrewery in Norway, also dropped an entire cocktail menu as an NFT, with opening prices ranging from 0.5 to 1 ETH.

LOYALTY PROGRAMS

Loyalty programs can also be created using NFTs. Sydney’s Bar Lulu became the first establishment in Australia to offer a membership program using NFT tokens. The CryptoLulu club, available on the OpenSea marketplace, offers three levels of membership with varying prices and privileges (from 0.45ETH to 1.35ETH). 

All members receive VIP service during their visits, priority booking of tables with a view of the waterfront, a complimentary drink during each visit, and participation in exclusive Web3 educational events with industry leaders held every month.

The Bar Lulu’s NFT-based club program is an innovative approach to forming a club audience with varying income levels and preferences, as well as expanding the Web3 community.

UNIQUE DRINKING EXPERIENCES

BOCI BAR ONE, a bar located in Malaysia, is taking advantage of NFT technology to offer a unique experience to its patrons. Using the Phantom Wallet on the Solana blockchain, the bar will send its customers pre-paid curated beverages in the form of NFTs, which can be redeemed, gifted, traded and consumed on-site. 

The monthly digital coupons are essentially digital versions of traditional vouchers, providing a new way for customers to enjoy their favourite drinks.

VIP ACCESS

NFTs can also be used to provide VIP access to exclusive areas or events. For instance, the NFT Skybar in Germany created 30 unique digital items that were designed by Spanish artist David Zuker and inspired by ten signature cocktails such as the Martini Asparagus and Say Hello to the Queen. 

These NFTs are available for purchase via a QR code in the bar menu or on David Zuker’s website and tied to exciting benefits such as direct admission to the NFT Skybar without waiting in line and a one-time complimentary cocktail at the bar.

ART DISPLAYS

Owners of bars also have the option to utilize their personally-owned NFTs for exhibiting digital art on screens or projecting it on their own devices, as well as incorporating it into their food and beverage packaging. Bored & Hungry, the world’s first “phygital” restaurant, has demonstrated the potential of NFTs beyond just a JPEG by using them to bring digital art to life.

The restaurant owner, Andy Nguyen, purchased the popular Bored Ape character (#6184) and three Mutant Ape characters for roughly $300,000 collectively and started a brand and a business where crypto enthusiasts, foodies, and NFT sceptics can congregate under one roof and enjoy delicious burgers. 

While this concept is not a bar, it has implications for the use of NFT art displays at bars.

Overall, NFTs have the potential to transform the bar experience by providing new ways to engage patrons and create unique, memorable experiences. As the technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how bars and other nightlife establishments incorporate NFTs into their operations.