It’s also probably higher than reported due to people not understanding what constitutes “a drink.” People are naturally not accurate at judging volumes/weight (even if they know the amounts) and probably aren’t measuring. Many more think “a drink” is “whatever is in my glass/bottle/can.” It’s further complicated by the wide variation in alcohol content among drinks within the same category.
I had a similar situation about a year ago, but it was reversed. I was having breakfast alone while waiting for an oil change. They had sat me at a large table (6 seats), and this gal walked up and asked, “Do you need this chair?” I responded “No, please!” Thinking she would leave with it. She plopped down and chatted nonstop. I honestly found her and her conversation a bit odd, so when I finished my food, I gave a quick goodbye and paid at the counter instead of waiting for the check as I was ready to leave. I can imagine that a woman may have been put off even more by a man in that situation. Though, you did at least directly ask to sit, unlike the woman I met.
That claim is so goofy. There’s too much money to be made in NYC, even with higher taxes. Furthermore, three city is a cultural center that they absolutely want to be a part of.