open bar

American  

noun

1. a bar at a reception that serves drinks whose cost has been borne by the host, an admission charge, a sponsor, etc..

   Before the banquet there will be an open bar from 5 to 7 p.m.

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Etymology

Origin of open bar

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Mr Watts held a staff party of his own last month, in which workers, who ranged in age from 16 to 70, were treated to an open bar.

From BBC

Mr. Gualinga gave a brief introduction in the lodge’s airy open bar.

From New York Times

It was time to put my expensive ticket to work in the only way that still made much sense: the open bar at the back.

From Salon

More than 200 people munching cheesesteaks, gnawing wings and talkin’ Birds with an open bar.

From Los Angeles Times

HBO Documentary Films won points for having an open bar and the only real food many would get to eat over the course of five days, with an opulent spread of oysters, shrimp, sliders, pasta and medium-rare steak.

From Washington Post