In American movies?!
In American movies?
Someone buying a drink, or a coffee or something usually settles up at the end. In the UK we always pay first. Save all kinds of problems i guess.
Answers:
In the United States we usually 'run a tab' and pay when we are ready to leave. Customs are different.
maybe we are more untrustworthy in the uk
Interesting question...here is a link I think might help clarify the practice and how it got started.
It is true that running a tab is a way to do things, but many of us do it as you brits do, pay up, then drink.
When I first visited USA I tried to buy a drink at a bar and they directed me to a table and the waitress took the order...and it went on like this for three or four rounds and then she brought the bill and wanted a tip which was a bit rich as all I wanted to do was go to the bar and buy a drink...Just like getting those tips I guess.
I notice this on holidays a lot. Being from Ireland i prefer to pay first. I think it's a psychological thing that we like to pay first because we can only enjoy the drink if we already "own" it. Catholic guilt and all that!
That's true ;) It happens in many countries.You play after you drink or eat...but I think it's better to play first,so if you get really drunk you're sure you have payed ;)
I like the good old Brit way. Saves so much time at the end when you no longer have the ability to count your money.