I read what you say newalaan but my experience differs in one respect.
Like you,I take boy special to Tomman Shun (sp) Nab etc. I would never dream of just going alone with him...too boring! Therefore a group ensues.
Now I do not mind paying the tab for this group, after all they have been invited. However what does irk me is when others appear at the table and just start drinking. This is especially so at Karaoke bars.
I have never found these hangers on to put their hands in their pockets. In fact it often gets to the stage that I have to tell them that when the bottle is empty...that's it.
The problem is that when the hangers on get dug in,the bottle goes even quicker. I wouldn't mind if another one was forthcoming( and paid for) but that has never happened in my experience. Snacks and coke maybe...