FLORENCE, Ky. — “Dry January” is a simple concept: no alcohol in January.

It’s a trend millions of Americans take part in, perhaps to give their bodies some relief after indulging over the holidays. Medical professionals tout the benefits of doing this, but it can hurt at least one group of people: those who sell alcohol for a living.

Katelyn Burroughs decided, in part because of a commitment to her church, to give Dry January a try. Now she’s praying she can make it through the month without turning her water into wine.

Burroughs is a first-timer.

“I’ve never done it. I’ve considered it. But I’ve never actually partaken in it,” she said.

That was until this January, for a few reasons, she said.

“The first thing being that I’ve never done it, and I’m always up for a good challenge. Second thing being that it’s our fast for church. So I figured for our January fast, what better way to fast than to give up alcohol for the month of January. And then other than that, just the health benefits too. I wanted to see what all the fuss was about,” Burroughs said.

That’s all well and good for her, but what about the owners of her favorite bar?

Jeff and Mandy Kaplan have seen a few dry Januarys since they took over ownership of the 859 Taproom and Grill in Florence a few years ago.

“I’m not a fan. I appreciate everybody wanting to be healthy, and all the good things that they have set these goals for, but yeah, it’s not ideal. You know, we know it comes every year. It definitely has affected business this year. We’ve been a little slower. A lot of people come in talking about it. A lot of regulars come in and just have sodas and tea,” Jeff Kaplan said. “Certainly not knocking anyone for it. But as a business owner who relies on people to drink, not a fan of dry anything.”

And, he said, it seems people are more dedicated than ever this January to stay alcohol free.

“We’re a week into the year, so people are still sticking to their, I guess, desires that they’ve put forth, but so far, yeah, we definitely have seen a little bit of a hit from it,” he said. “Last year we didn’t see it nearly this heavy. I think it was the first, second and third. I want to say by Jan. 4, we were back to normal business levels. It’s been a couple more days, and it’s definitely still been a little quieter. I wish them all the best, but it’s time to put that aside and come back out and drink.”

Mandy Kaplan pointed out someone walking into the bar.

“What’s funny is one of our regulars is walking in. She’s trying to do Dry January, so we’ll see how it goes,” she said.

That regular was none other than Burroughs.

“Very regular, yes,” she said.

She was just without her regular drink order, instead sipping on water.

“So far it’s been really great. It’s been really easy. I felt really good. I have a lot of energy. Tonight might be a challenge. First time being here this month. So we’ll see. But I think I’ll be just fine,” Burroughs said. “With work and stuff, it’s always nice to have a drink after work. But I think just being able to get through it these five days so far, I think that I can definitely keep it going.”

Even though they love their customers, the Kaplans certainly have their questions about the concept of Dry January.

“At the end of the day, you own a bar. You want people to come in and drink. But I fully understand people wanting to be healthy. And it’s good for them. But just like anything else, it’s moderation. And if people would moderate all year long, maybe they wouldn’t have to go dry in January, or if they didn’t go so crazy for the holidays, running into new year’s eve, maybe they wouldn’t have to dry out in January. But I get it. I respect it,” Jeff Kaplan said.

Sadly for him and his wife, and thankfully for Burroughs’ liver, this won’t be her last Dry January.

“I’ll probably do it again. Yeah, why not? Good way to cleanse the beginning of the year,” she said.

The Kaplans said they try to circumvent the hit they take from Dry January by updating their food menu and introducing more options. They said they might experiment with more nonalcoholic drinks in the future.