An independent observer would likely come to the conclusion that the opposite is true; that K@ can't be sold in brick and mortar bars and cafes without kava.
K@ is sold in many brick and mortar stores without kava so I'm not sure why you think it needs kava with it. Depending on the area there are many convenience stores, CBD/hemp oil shops, etc that sell it. The quality of the products are typically low just like most kava sold at local shops.
Exactly. K@ doesn't lend itself well to a bar environment. It's not dosed the same way as alcohol or kava and K@ consumers aren't wanting to drink it in bars. These establishments attract locals that like to pay a ridiculous price for a small amount of likely low quality product.
But as you rightly point out, most "kava" bars are just K@ bars clinging to kava, using kava as a cover for their less socially accepted product.
Considering very few people know what either plant is or does, labeling K@ as less socially accepted is just ridiculous. The general public and scientific community overwhelmingly support K@ being available and this idea that K@ is generally considered a drug just isn't accurate.
They aren't "clinging to kava" to survive (K@ is far bigger than kava), but to gain an air of legitimacy.
This one is really a stretch. K@ is legitimate in it's own right and being sold with kava isn't going to improve its image. If anything, mismarketing it as an intoxicating beverage at a bar will bring negative attention to it which is why it would be better if these "kava bars" could survive on selling kava alone. These bars don't benefit the K@ community or the average K@ consumer and it's getting old seeing people claim they do whether it's to intentionally misinform the kava community or just due to a lack of knowledge and understanding.