Real world drinks promoter Thebar.com has introduced a virtual Bar Kit to be syndicated and deployed in bars and nightclubs in Second Life.

Virtual bars and nightclubs are already popular meeting spots for Second Life citizens, or avatars, but such venues offer little built-in interactivity, according to Thebar.com.

The Bar Kit allows patrons to be linked through their drink choices, each of which is associated with a catch phrase and animation.

The catch phrase and animation are triggered when avatars propose 'toasts' with their drinks. When one avatar proposes a toast to the room, all avatars drinking the same beverage automatically join in the animation.

Additionally, when one avatar proposes a 'cheers' to other patrons, all other avatars with the same drink will raise their glasses and have the option to repeat the 'cheers' or join in with an 'I'll drink to that'.

Thebar.com has also taken measures to ensure that the Bar Kit will be used responsibly by patrons and owners by building in features that promote responsible virtual drinking.

All bar patrons are asked to submit their age when they order their first drink at any bar.

An avatar who tries to overuse the toast function, thereby causing a ruckus for other bar patrons, receives a friendly reminder animation to 'drink responsibly' instead of the usual animation.