Your mention of Applebee’s brought to memory a short time I spent in Arkansas for work.
I had to buy a membership to Applebee’s so I could have an adult beverage.
It was either because it was a dry town or dry county.
But it was $5 membership.
Which was refunded when I left the restaurant.
I’m not sure if any Dry Counties remain, or if they do it’s a law still on the books but not really enforced.
The minimum drinking age is still a big deal, though.