Alcohol-free night clubs?

North Bergen resident Lynn Earley hasn’t had a drink since 1987.
In the ensuing sober years, Earley has dabbled in the arts, philanthropy, and the practice of starting a business from the ground up. Dubbed “Smart Party,” her movement aims to bring together hip, lively party-goers who simply don’t want to be around the presence of alcohol.
According to Earley, she conceived the idea of the “Smart Party” in 1992 when she tried to find a club-like venue in which an adult could listen to music, dance, or socialize without being around alcoholic beverages.
“If somebody decides to stop drinking, there is no place for them to party,” said Earley. “The idea was to gather musicians, artists and photographers, to help produce edgy and unique artistic multimedia events where there can be no drugs and alcohol.”

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Earley is attempting to gain support from local political officials and celebrities.
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With an idea and almost no resources, Earley spent the next two decades gaining support and recognition for an idea that she was passionate about. Much of her time was spent hosting events in which people could gather for a place to socialize unhindered by the pressures of alcohol.
Now, Earley is looking to create a permanent venue within Hudson County. She specifically hopes to establish a “Smart Party” nightclub.

Accomplishments

Although the Smart Party idea never became a brick-and-mortar location, Earley has been able to garner support for the idea.
In the early 1990s, Earley staged her first alcohol-free social event in New York City, which was sponsored by Pepsi. In 1995, she worked with a peer group at Jersey City University to help create alcohol-free venues on campus. She also published the first issue of “Zero Proof,” the official publication for Smart Party.
Earley also planned an alcohol-free fundraiser for the Bergen County Task Force on Women & Addictions. From there, her organization gained support. Her meetup.com group, which is still active, has hundreds of dedicated members. Interested people can obtain more information by searching for Smart Party within the search field on the meetup.com website.
Earley also planned a Prohibition-themed fundraiser to raise money for a shelter in Hackensack.

A physical location

Earley said her main goal is to establish a social meeting place where non-drinkers can have a good time. The Smart Party, Earley insists, is not to be confused with Alcoholics Anonymous, a support group for those suffering with alcohol addiction.
“It’s completely different,” said Earley, noting that although AA has meetings, they do not have fun social events or parties. “The media overlooks the fact that when somebody decides to stop drinking, there is no place for them to go and party.
Earley also mentioned that during the holidays, when bars and clubs run special promotions for cheaper drinking, it can be tougher for non-drinkers to find a social meeting place.
“When people realize they have a problem with drinking, and don’t want to go to AA,” said Earley, “there’s nowhere to go where people are socializing without alcohol.”
Earley is attempting to gain support from local political officials as well as celebrities. She particularly hopes to reach sober individuals who would have an interest in the idea.
“With a [non-alcoholic] club, people can experience what it’s like to enjoy a night out without getting drunk and having to worry about driving home,” Earley added.
For more information on the Smart Party, contact Lynn Earley at lynnearley61@gmail.com.
Stephen LaMarca may be reached at slamarca@hudsonreporter.com.