Originally Posted by DeathSlam

I think lounges are priced the way they are because many people *will* be able to get through £30 worth of alcohol before a flight. At airport prices three drinks would put you in the black even with no food consumed.
Socially, the principle of least access usually applies, so if someone can't get in to the lounge then the others are expected to show moral support and everyone goes to a restaurant or something.
I suspect some of the rules on removing f&b from the lounge may have been introduced by previous enterprising guests in just this scenario using the lounge to feed the 5000 outside.