I really wonder if you people actually left your house in the past 10 years. You guys speak about how smoky and trashy these bars are like a movie from the 80’s. In case your a bit behind, it is illegal to smoke in most of these establishments. And the bars your speak of, are not those trashy bar fighting with a blaring juke box kind of place. Ive been to plenty of nice trendy ‘bars’ that were not part of hotels. I dont understand the difference. honestly. explain it to me.
Also, define ‘hangout’ places. A few nice innocent people getting together and having a few drinks is bad. So, a few people hanging out at shul is also bad?