Might be a sign of how much (some) people will pay for drinks. The fancy cocktail bars on nickel 'n dime cruise line ships (usually not included in beverage packages) can be packed. I imagine it's the same in urban bars with aspiring if not upscale clientale.

As for educators, poorly paid when not unionized (and in some places, even then). Reminds me of what I've read about arts professors at U.S. colleges and universities. Much lower pay scale than business professors (less than half the latter's pay).