So what if they do want to go out drinking? What's your beef about this? Are bars and restaurants only OK to go to before a certain time?

This citizen lives in a city where LOTS of stuff is open late and he/she would like to participate in this city. Not just bars. But even the bars have workers who still need to get there. And I'd guess the nightlife sector of NYC's economy is MUCH larger than any other city in the US.