It's not always '5 o'clock somewhere' in Tennessee. Survey finds Tennesseans start to drink much earlier.
The average Tennessean considers 2:11 p.m. an acceptable time to begin drinking, a survey found. Hey, "It's 5 o'clock somewhere" - right?
Day drinking is a socially acceptable activity to most Tennesseans, according to Zinnia Health. Its recent study surveyed 3,000 Tennesseans to find that the average person living in the state finds 2:11 p.m. an OK time to begin consuming alcohol.
Whether it's a boozy brunch or afternoon at the brewery, Knoxville's restaurant and bar scene certainly caters to the state's day drinkers. And with spring weather finally hitting Knoxville, it's tempting to settle in at one of its many restaurant patios for a few hours of basking in the sun and indulging in some midday brews.
In fact, a third of survey respondents said warm weather increased the likelihood that they would reach for an adult beverage sooner, according to Zinnia Health.
How do Tennessee drinkers compare?
Out of every state polled, Wyoming drinkers are ready to get the party started soonest, with an average time of noon, according to Zinnia Health. In North Dakota and Montana, folks believe in the 5 p.m. rule - almost. On average, the time they deem most acceptable to begin drinking is 4:30 p.m.
Are weekends and holidays a free pass for day drinking?
What factors increase day drinking likelihood? Unsurprisingly, weekends and holidays play a huge role.
"Thirty-eight percent of respondents declare weekends a judgment-free zone for advancing the hour of their first alcoholic beverage," Zinnia Health said. "Holidays, too, offer a lenient backdrop, with over one-third (36%) finding it acceptable to sip something spirited one to two hours earlier than usual."
Is day drinking OK?
While a mimosa at brunch isn't likely to put you over the edge, it's true that day drinking can quickly become unhealthy. It seems Tennesseans aren't ignorant to this fact either. According to Zinnia Health, 44% said they would approach a friend, family member or colleague who was regularly taking part in daytime drinking behaviors.
The urge to socialize might lead some Tennesseans to look past what they know isn't good for them. While many Tennesseans might considering grabbing a beer before 5 p.m. hits, 60% of survey respondents said they wouldn't do so if they were alone.
Why does day drinking feel different?
Drinking during the day affects the body differently than drinking during the night, according to Cleveland Clinic. Your sleep cycle can be disrupted, and because you haven't had as much time to drink nonalcoholic beverages, you're also more likely to become dehydrated, the website says. "Hangxiety," or anxiety caused by drinking alcohol, is also likely to affect you sooner, even the day of.
Underscoring this issue is the fact that without bedtime in the near future, there's no natural end to day drinking, which makes it easier to overindulge, according to Cleveland Clinic.
It's important to recognize the way day drinking can affect those around you, too. "The normalization of daytime drinking in social contexts may make it more challenging for those struggling with alcohol abuse to seek help, as they may feel that their behavior is socially acceptable," Zinnia Health's Rebecca Hill said in a news release.
How to cut down on day drinking (and still have fun)
The good news is, Knoxville offers plenty of options for those looking to minimize drinking, regardless of time of day. These locations still provide a fun setting for socialization with mocktail and non-alcoholic options:
More: Where to find mocktails or alcohol-free spaces in Knoxville
At a bar without mocktails on the menu? They'll likely make you one anyway - just ask. If you'd be comfortable asking for a classic cocktail that's off menu, the same logic applies, bartender Bekah Holz told the News Sentinel in 2021.
Hayden Dunbar is the storyteller reporter. Email hayden.dunbar@knoxnews.com.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: In Tennessee, drinkers start much earlier than 5 o'clock, survey says
