Bar/Lounge/etc. Issues- Drinks/food.
Current Issue:
NPCs sometimes steal drinks. At the same time, this can happen in real life. Bartenders can also charge you, then wander off or go into practice mode, causing you to lose money, which is frustrating if you’re trying to fulfill a Sim’s want.
Proposed Fixes:
Pay on Pickup
Sims only pay when they physically grab the drink.
If a stranger takes it first:
- Automatic refund or “replacement drink” prompt.
- Optional: premium bars could have a “reserved drink tab” for VIP Sims.
Claim Ownership
- Each drink is temporarily “owned” by the Sim who ordered it.
- Other Sims see a visual indicator (colored aura or name tag).
- Non-owner Sims attempting to take it triggers:
- Polite request: “Excuse me, that’s mine!”
- Chaotic option: fight/steal animation.
Queue & Reservation System
- Sims can “order and wait” at the bar.
- Drinks are made in order of the queue; if interrupted:
- Drink goes to the first Sim in line.
- Others are notified of the delay.
Theft & Social Interaction
If another Sim grabs your drink:
- Interaction options appear: “Ask nicely,” “Demand back,” “Bar Fight.”
Social consequences:
- Negative relationship impact for rude theft.
- Positive relationship impact if shared.
Optional Visual Feedback
- Drinks in progress could glow or hover above the bar until picked up.
- Players instantly know which drinks are theirs.
Bartender Behavior
If a bartender’s shift ends while an order is in progress:
- They stay to finish the order, or
- The next bartender is notified and completes the order.
Outcome:
- Prevents unfair charges for drinks that players never received.
- Adds social interactions and emergent gameplay.
- Makes bar visits feel alive, chaotic, and manageable.
