People do tend to feel uncomfortable around those who aren't sitting inside the same box as themselves. They don't know how to handle it. Good on you for sticking to something that feels right for you.
As for the drinking places - I thought they'd be required to serve non-alcoholic drinks as well, for the designated drivers. 50 pages .... sheesh!
(artist unknown)
Yeah - in NZ they are required to serve "reasonable" non and low alcohol options. Plus free chilled water. I was actually in the US for the fancy pants restaurant. Not sure what the requirements are over here but normally they are pretty good.