It probably varies by bar. I remember in the 90s going out with a group once or twice, when I was the driver, and not being charged for soda or coffee. But then other times, I would pay. So… dunno. I haven’t been out with a large drinking expedition in a number of years.
I go to a lot of bars in and around Washington DC and , and it’s not very common.
Public Bar in Washington DC sometimes puts out a nice table of veggies, hummus, and pastries during happy hour.
All I’ve seen lately is overly salty popcorn.
Makes you drink more ya know.
Many years ago, Bethesda, MD, had kick-ass happy hour munchies! More than munchies, they were awesome! Crab, chicken wings, great food.
I didn’t even know such things existed. Learn something new everyday. Although, I don’t think I’d call 8 states a ‘proliferation’.
I guess there could be local ordinances against it.
No but I know there more of a chance touching body fluid in a public restroom !
If I see someone picking their nose or cold sore while checking out people in a grocery I use another checkout . I must be doing something right b/c I had
not gotten a cold so far this year! Not bad for a 69 yo woman !
I remember back in the old days they used to have a sign in some taverns that read "Boneless Chicken Dinners : 25 cents". It was a pickled egg and 2 crackers. 
that doesn’t even make sense.
Once, back when I was single, I stopped in a bar that was advertizing free pizza. It was pepperoni pizza, but it was salted heavily. Obviously, they were hoping to spur more drink sales. I ate a slice, left without ordering any drinks, and never went back to that place.
Was at a bar where they put out little bowls of free salty snacks just this week.