KALAMAZOO, Mich. — “Dry January” is changing how some people start the new year, and local bar owners say it can also affect business during an already slow month.
Dry January encourages people to abstain from alcohol for the entire month. While the idea has been around for more than a decade, it has gained renewed popularity in recent years — especially among Gen Z — as people look to reset after the holidays.
For customers, Dry January can mean better health, improved mental clarity, and saving money after an expensive holiday season. But for bars and restaurants, January is typically one of the slowest months of the year and fewer alcohol purchases can lead to a dip in sales…