by Debbi | Mar 6, 2008 | Newsworthy
I found an article today online that nearly made me fall out of my chair laughing.
Apparently, the state of Minnesota has recently enacted a smoking ban. For the entire state. However, some clever readers of the legislation found that the ban contains an exception for performers in theatrical productions. And we all know that a bar can sometimes have the best performances around.
So the patrons of these bars are lighting up while they speak in accents, do a little improv, and show up in costumes like fairies, pirates, and Victorian-era women. The article claims that about 30 bars in the state are actively exploiting this loophole and encouraging folks to participate as "actors." Some of them are even printing up faux playbills and setting up "props" areas- where the ashtrays are stacked.
The bars claim that their theater-night revenues are on par with pre-ban evenings, after an initial drop right after the ban started. They plan to continue the productions as long as they can, which might not be long as the state Health Department is working to close the loophole.
Can you imagine having Halloween every night?
by Debbi | Feb 23, 2008 | Newsworthy, St. Patrick's Day
Apparently, St. Patrick’s Day is causing a bit of confusion this year.
For the first time since 1940, the holiday falls during Holy Week, the seven sacred days before Easter. Being a lapsed Catholic, I don’t really understand what all of that means, but CNN explains it pretty well here.
Basically what I got out of the article is that because of liturgical rules within the church, a Mass cannot be celebrated in honor of St. Patrick during Holy Week. Some religious leaders are taking this even further and asking their cities to change the date of their St. Patrick’s Day celebrations so that parades and other festivities don’t take place during Holy Week either.
People often ask if the Lawrence parade is actually on St. Patrick’s Day or if it’s scheduled for the nearest weekend like some towns do- it’s always on March 17, always at 1 p.m. The religious conflict apparently hasn’t been an issue here, or else we just aren’t aware of it.
The good news is that the calendar conflict won’t happen again until 2160, and none of us will be around to care.
by Debbi | Feb 15, 2008 | Newsworthy
It’s been awhile since something from the University of Kansas newspaper has been featured, so here’s a link for you.
One of their writers decided to get off the beaten path of the usual college bars and try something new. He chronicled his adventures, which were alternately amusing, disgusting, and even a little frightening. I would like to recruit this guy to be a guest blogger here. Wonder if he’s a Sandbar patron?
My friends and I tried something like this a million years ago when we were in college, only we didn’t venture off Massachusetts Street. We did, however, resolve to at least go inside of every bar on the entire street, at least to see what it was like, and perhaps partake in a shot or five. (This is how we discovered Surfer on Acid, one of my fond-and few- memories of that night). Of course, we ended up at The Sandbar by the end of the night. But sometimes it’s good to get out of your comfort zone and try something new- it makes you appreciate "home" that much more.
Got a favorite non-Sandbar bar? Let’s hear it in the comments.
by Debbi | Jan 30, 2008 | Newsworthy
In my daily perusal of all things interesting on the internets, I found several things that might interest the readers. And I didn’t really have anything to say about The Sandbar today anyway.
1. You might remember reading about the Jack Daniels flap in Tennessee awhile back. Well, apparently the man in possession of all those bottles has now been indicted on various counts. Here’s the update.
2. Everyone knows about the capacity issues we have at The Sandbar. If you don’t, go here. I just about spit my Coke all over my desk when I read this. Playing the Mormon card to get back into the bar might have worked for her, but I’m pretty sure our doorguys won’t fall for that one. Although, I think it’s weird that in order to use the restroom, they had to actually leave the bar and forfeit their spot in the capacity count.
3. We’re very fond of the local Lawrence band Sellout!, and not just because current bartender Danny sings and plays the saxophone for them and former bartender Bob plays drums. I found a fun interview with some of the band members on lawrence.com today. Oh, and that Devo hat that Danny wears? Dave made that.
So, enjoy. Back to more Sandbar-related content tomorrow.
by Debbi | Jan 28, 2008 | Newsworthy
I never really noticed how frequently beer, liquor, and bars are mentioned in the news until I started writing this blog (and desperately searching for things to keep you entertained).
In the "crazy" category for today, I bring you an antiquated law on the books in Virginia. In 1934, the state banned mixing wine or beer with other spirits. I’m not really sure why someone felt the need to actually write a law banning this practice; because, really, how frequently does one mix beer or wine with vodka or rum?
But if you’re a fan of sangria, well, don’t move to Virginia. La Tasca Spanish Tapas Bar and Restaurants, with five locations across the state, was fined $2000 because they committed the crime of mixing red wine, liqueur, and fruit to serve with their tapas. The owners claim they were unaware of the law- who would seriously think to research laws regarding the mixing of ingredients?- and would not have opened their business in Virginia had they known of the prohibition.
The restaurant’s people are currently appealing to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board and urging their state legislators to pass a new law legalizing their drink. The company’s vice president compares their situation to a Mexican restaurant being told they can’t serve tequila.
Which made me wonder: what other mixed drinks could this affect? Will and Blair have both made margaritas for me in the past that contained a splash of beer. Yes, beer. I was skeptical, until I tried it. It was good. I guess they couldn’t fix those in Virginia, though.
I hope the Virginia legislature does away with such a silly law.
by Debbi | Jan 24, 2008 | Newsworthy, People
Our fearless leader, Dave, has a brand new job!
Don’t worry, he’s not leaving The Sandbar. Peach nominated him for an open position on the board of Downtown Lawrence, Inc. He started his three-year term as a board member this month.
DLI is a not-for-profit organization created to promote the interests of the downtown business district. The mission of DLI is "to preserve, protect, and promote Downtown Lawrence as the retail, service and professional, governmental, entertainment, and social center of our community."
Dave will do a wonderful job representing not only The Sandbar but all of the other downtown businesses. (Of course I might be a little biased!) We’re all excited for his new opportunity.
The public announcement of the 2008 DLI board is here.
{I’d like to point out that, contrary to what some anonymous commenter on the LJW site seems to think, this is not a paid position. It’s voluntary.}
