Not drinking was never the main topic, just a passing topic. It was never an issue at all. Reconnection or not were due to other things.

But I must say that I never made friends on bars. My friends were neighbors and school friends (in my teens), then college friends, then a few coworkers. And their friends. So I go to the bar with them, not to make friends.

In nightclubs, to meet women, it had a larger impact, but not necessarily a negative one. It would be a conversation point, but I felt that some women actually preferred, maybe felt safer with someone that could better understand and respect limits, idk. I am not from US though, not sure how the culture is here. I never bought any woman a drink (not sure if it’s for real or just a movie thing)

Not sure if someone who'd genuinely take issue with someone else not drinking would make a quality friend. Perhaps a good acquaintance, friend-of-convenience or friend-for-a-purpose, but friend-friend?