Online drinks gifting app launched

A new mobile app that allows users to gift a drink over a wi-fi connection in real time has taken off in Las Vegas, with plans to make it global.

The It’s On Me app is currently focused on Las Vegas allowing users to buy friends a drink or meal by sending them a voucher which can be traded in for the real thing at a selection of participating outlets.

Founded by New Yorker David Leibner and Rachel Wenman in August 2013, It’s On Me allows users to browse through products of local businesses which they can then gift to friend via a text message or through the app, as reported by to Vegasinc.com.

The idea is to drive more business to the local community, and the app doesn’t deal in discounts which Leibner said hurts business in the long run.

The app currently processes 100,000 gifts each month with one of its key selling points the on-trade drinks sector, allowing customers to send a drink to a friend without having to be at the bar or even in the same country.

It also has marketing potential with merchants able to entice future customers into their establishment with the promise of a free drink via a text message.

So far, the app has partnered with 30 local establishments in Las Vegas including Atomic Liquors, Artifice, Banger Brewing, Bin 702, Carson Kitchen, Commonwealth, the Double Down Saloon, DW Bistro and The Velveteen Rabbit.

The app, which makes its money by collecting a service charge from merchants, also has partnerships with restaurants and bars in San Diego, Santa Barbara, San Francisco and New York.