Creating a community for sobriety

In a country where socialising is so often linked with alcohol, finding places to connect with others without booze can be a challenge.

Chloe O’Donovan, from Gurranabraher, recognised the need for spaces for people who are sober or ‘sober curious’ and dreamt up Boozeless Beours, a women-only community that aims to provide a supportive and inclusive environment for those seeking sobriety.

Chloe’s journey toward creating Boozeless Beours began when she realised there wasn't a Cork-based sober group to join. “I knew I would love to join a community but one didn’t exist, which led me to create Boozeless Beours. I just kind of thought, if there’s not one available, I will make one,” she told the Cork Independent.

Chloe said that while she wasn’t addicted to alcohol, she used it as a crutch. "I also really started to become aware of how much alcohol was affecting my mental health, a night of drinking with friends would lead me to suffering for days with hangxiety,” she said.

Chloe realised that while she may not have been physically addicted, she had developed a psychological dependence on alcohol. “I don’t believe it’s how much or where you drink is the question we should be asking ourselves but instead asking ourselves why we drink,” she added. "Once you stop drinking, you will soon realise the alcohol isn't what made you fun; it was just you the whole time."

Chloe maintains that the world at large has an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, but she sees a shift in attitudes that suggests a positive change is underway. “It’s the only drug in the world that people question if you have a problem if you stop drinking instead of questioning the drug itself. However I do believe it’s slowly changing especially in younger generations, people are really starting to look at things differently now and prioritise their health.“

Chloe also said that there is a notable absence of venues in Cork that cater to those seeking alcohol-free environments. "I don't know of anywhere that stays open late and doesn't serve alcohol but plays a little music. Even if bars stocked more alcohol-free options, it would be great. I would love to see some cafes stay open later so we could be out past 7pm and enjoy a nice tea or kombucha.”

Boozeless Beours' first meetup is scheduled for 10 September at Myo Cafe from 6.30 to 8.30pm. The event offers attendees a chance to connect and build friendships, and Chloe plans to expand the community further. “I would love to offer different varieties of meet ups & retreats. We already have our second event planned in September which is a Women’s Wellness mini-retreat,” she said. “My mission is to help other women see just how much there is to gain by giving the booze a miss, shifting the mindset from alcohol being some kind of loss, because trust me it’s not."