Downtown Columbia is an eclectic mix of stores, restaurants, apartments and, yes, bars. During the “college weekend” (basically Thursday through Sunday), the bars throughout Columbia are full of people looking to unwind, relax and have a great time. But much like any public setting, there are unspoken rules to follow when going out to bars. For what might be the first time ever for many people, here are the (no longer unspoken) rules to going out drinking.

####Have a plan

Any group outing tends to be much better if some sort of plan is in place. Going to the bars is no exception. When going out with friends, it’s best to establish a rough plan for how everyone is getting home. If it’s not a designated driver, it could be Uber, STRIPES or a simple walk if you live close enough. If you don’t plan to end the night as a group, make sure no one in the group is left walking home alone. Also, following up with everyone as they get home ensures that everyone is accounted for.

####Dress the part

When going out, it’s important to understand where you are going and what outfit that entails. Going out to have a few beers and watch football requires a much different outfit than going to a nice bar with some close friends. For most bars in Columbia, an elevated casual outfit would suffice. For guys, dark jeans, leather sneakers and a nice tee or collared shirt would be more than enough. Girls can make a killer outfit with dark jeans, ankle boots and a cute top.

####Bar etiquette

Bars, if you were not already aware, are public establishments staffed by human beings like you. For some reason, the addition of alcohol occasionally makes people forget that these employees are human beings who deserve some respect and decency. When at the bar, be sure to treat everyone working there with the same courtesy you would anyone else at a store or restaurant. Yes, the bartender sees you at the bar. No, you don’t have to wave your cash or card at them to get their attention.

**Bonus: Tipping**

Tipping at bars is so important that it deserves its own subsection. Bartenders, much like servers at restaurants, don’t make that much money. Your bartender is working hard to make sure your drinks and shots are taken care of, so you should do the absolute bare minimum (tip them) at least to make sure your bartender can walk away with enough money to pay rent.

####Don’t get sloppy

This should be the cardinal rule of going out in public. Remember you’re in public with many strangers who are more sober or drunk than you. Because of this, they will all react differently to your behaviors. For example, hitting on a stranger while you’re belligerent could result in a simple denial or a possible police report. Throwing up in a public place is also one of the worst things you can do, but if you have to, make sure it’s in the bathroom or a garbage can. The last thing you want to do is end your night by puking in the worst place.

Going out is a great chance to be social, mingle and have a great time. Like most things in this world, however, a good time can turn bad quickly. By following these rules, you and your friends can maximize the fun for yourselves and minimize the annoyances to those around you.

_Edited by Katie Rosso | krosso@themaneater.com_