Lead fingers makes a good point regarding pubs losing their smaller function rooms. There are two clubs I try to get to now and then where a pool table gets on the way. Both used to be in separate rooms before.

I served my apprenticeship in concert rather than sing around style where there was a stage of sorts and floor turns got two songs. This nurtured budding artistes as you could put a wee bit of thought into your Andy Warhol slot of fame. Whereas singarounds are more inclusive but emphasise the song rather than the singer. Horses for courses.

My experience in The USA and Canada is not all that different but I would say that a session without a drink is somewhat odd for me and to be fair, I am speaking of a continent yet I have only sung in half a dozen places!