Wellington's BATS Theatre seeks to change performing arts sector's relationship with alcohol

Welcoming non-alcoholic spirits brand AF Drinks as its new corporate partner, Wellington's BATS Theatre has announced that it is looking to change within the performing arts and venue industry’s relationship with alcohol.

With research from the Te Hiringa Hauora/Health Promotion Agency showing that one in four New Zealand drinkers drink hazardously, BATS is aiming to be part of a “conversation” around alcohol consumption.

BATS Partnerships Manager, Lyndee-Jane Rutherford explained “we’re thrilled to be working alongside AF Drinks … it’s great to be working with a company who, like BATS, is passionate about making a difference in the world.

“(And) it’s no secret that many in the theatre industry have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol.”

While the theatre will still be selling alcohol, it looks forward to creating conversations around normalising not-drinking and offering alcohol free drinks in their bar, with Rutherford noting “sober curious theatre goers will be pleased to know they can drink something special before or after a show.”

The new partnership will spotlight the commitment AF Drinks and BATS Theatre have to wellbeing within the theatre community of New Zealand and normalising the choice of an alcohol free lifestyle.

Lisa King, co-founder and Chief Executive of AF Drinks notes “it’s a really great thing for people to consider having a different relationship with alcohol. It’s a huge source of a lot of social problems and mental wellness issues.”

As well as working towards change around relationships with alcohol, BATS has also found that there is a new generation of theatre makers coming through who are sober curious.

King advises “we’ve noticed groups who don’t want to have an opening night function because they don’t want alcohol at their opening night after party.”

BATS Theatre wants to champion these artists in their decisions and give them the support around these choices.

BATS Theatre’s beer sponsor Garage Project is reported to be behind the move for change, having developed their Ghost Light beer with BATS at the beginning of the pandemic.

BATS will be trialling events like Sober Sundays, creating a safe space for those who want to hang out on a Sunday afternoon listening to some live music, play board games or be part of a clothes swap.

Last week AF won six major awards at the recent San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Continuing on from this success, the BATS Theatre and AF partnership will assist the theatre’s activities helping to support theatre makers, while keeping BATS accessible and safe for artists and audiences.

Images: Wellington's BATS Theatre. Credit: BATS Theatre.