Excuse me, can I buy you a drink?

Remember when socializing was…well, social? Touchscreen computers can now be found embedded into nightclub tables and allow customers to order drinks, play games and flirt electronically by sending gifts to computers on other tables.

Jeez, now those corny pickup lines really won’t work! Especially if you’re attending the University of Westminster, where a trial version of this technology produced record revenue this past weekend.

The system generates additional revenue as people don’t have to wait at the bar for drinks – patrons can purchase RFID cards that they can wave in front of any tabletop computer in the bar to get another round - the waitress will bring it right over. Bars can also charge for some games and quizzes played at each table.

This sure brings a whole new meaning to the ice-breaking phrase, “Can I buy you a drink?”