Page 2 - Pinkie Pie-Eyed

As a DM, allowing your party to meet in a tavern doesn’t mean you have to promote drinking and getting drunk. Quite the opposite, actually. It’s easy and natural for a DM to go from “the party gets hammered” to “the next morning, there’s an angry mob and you have to leave town.” If you do this well - if the end result is spectacularly negative enough - you can discourage your group from drinking entirely.

DM: …and harmony has been maintained in Equestria for generations since.
DM: Now, Twilight?
Twilight Sparkle: You mean my character?
DM: Yes. As our story begins, you are living in the royal city of Canterlot, studying under the tutelage of Princess Celestia.
Twilight Sparkle: Sweet!
Pinkie Pie: Ooh! Are we there too?
DM: No. I’m having you girls roleplay your introductions.
Applejack: Instead of starting out in a tavern like a normal D&D group?
DM: Exactly!
Pinkie Pie: Oh! Because ponies can’t get drunk! They’re herbivores!
Rarity: …I’m not sure that’s entirely accurate. Or relevant.
Fluttershy: What’s this about drinking? …Do we have to roll dice for that?