Bars and clubs are no longer a ‘boy’s only’ playground, where women tag along from time to time merely to sit pretty next to them. Times have changed and nowadays ladies enjoy going out for a drink or two – more often than, not they go on their own with a group of girlfriends.

This shift is taking place as women are gaining more independence and having more equal rights in the workplace as well as in society. “With many things in life that change and evolve over time, having an increase in women drinkers is one that any bar owner will happily embrace. These days women are more independent and have more spending power, which is why it’s no wonder that bars are filling up with more ladies,” says Roen Cian Nagapan, owner of The Hill in Lorong Dungun.

Some actually prefer a night out with just the ladies and are happy to not have to deal with the men. “We really don’t need a guy to tag along for a few tipples. When we go out with our girlfriends for a few drinks we loosen up and do what we girls do best – share and gossip,” says Aurora Jacobs, 34, sales manager. “Also, there is less pressure going out with girlfriends. We won’t have to worry if we say something profoundly embarrassing after a few, and we don’t have to worry about entertaining the men.”

While there is an increase in their club and pub outings, there are certain things women look at when considering where to go. “We’re a very different market to cater for. We look for cleanliness – toilets especially – and it’s good if places have a no smoking policy, so we don’t smell like an ashtray after a fun night out,” says Nasa Entaban, 29, journalist. “I’d like to see better seating, because we ladies sometimes wear short dresses and skirts. I hate bar stools, as they are too high and uncomfortable and leave your feet dangling.”

“I would like to see some good-looking bartenders and good customer service! We want to feel as though they want us there, even if we are a small market segment. The flooring should also be heel-friendly. When there are too many steps, grooves, or uneven flooring, it makes it an unpleasant outing for us,” says Nadine Fernandez, 30, freelance writer.

Ladies night used to be a tactic to bring more men into an establishment, however it has now become something the women look forward to and when they go, meeting men is usually the last thing on their minds. “Ladies nights used to bring us in to bait the men, but it’s different now. When we hear of a good deal where we can drink for free, we’re there! And it’s not to meet men. We keep to ourselves and enjoy our free drinks and have a good night out,” says Carol Leong, 28, gym manager. “It is usually a good place to start and get nice and tipsy before going dancing somewhere else.”

“We are definitely aware of this trend which is why we’ve added in cocktails that are tailor-made for the fairer sex, such as the Watermelon Slush, Mango Madness and Marmalade Pie. We even have beers such as the Pure Blonde and lychee-flavoured beer listed on the menu for the ladies. And every Wednesday, women drink at the lounge for free,” says Nagapan.

This spike in women drinkers will only increase further as more and more ladies feel liberated and comfortable going out on their own. The taboo of women drinking alone in a bar has been lifted and this is now an accepted part of society which establishments should recognise and cater to.