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A few quick updates:
Clayton's Tavern is indeed closed for the near future at least. I'm not sure why.
I'm also not sure why Lulu's Off Broadway is closed, but it looks like it's done for good.
Sun food wizardess Elizabeth Large had a deep thought: "You have a closed theme today."
I do. It's depressing. Anybody have some good news for me? It would be much appreciated.
I've been The Baltimore Sun's nightlife and local entertainment reporter for a couple years, and it's surprising how much the scene has grown in that time. Most of Baltimore's bars and clubs are unpretentious places with fairly cheap drinks and plenty of character. I like dancing and think this city needs more clubs, but nothing beats having a cold, locally brewed beer with friends in a comfortably full corner bar.
Comments
Oh! How about '30days until the smoking ban?'
Posted by: Michael Byrne | December 3, 2007 4:13 PM
Sigh.
Thanks for the cheerful thought, Michael.
So much for reclining at Max's Taphouse with a fine cigar.
Posted by: Sam Sessa | December 3, 2007 5:48 PM
Bars of Baltimore,
I did not realize that my absence would have such an affect on the local economy. I will soon return from tour and resume my alcoholic activities at bars everywhere. I am sorry for any inconvenience caused by my absence.
-Jeremy
Posted by: Jeremy | December 3, 2007 11:43 PM
sam,
I think that Max's is exempt from the ban because they sell cigars. As for Lulu's, call Jack at El Supremo records. He's tight with the Lulu people.
Posted by: jmgiordano | December 4, 2007 12:12 AM
Can somebody clarify the smoking ban and how it relates to places like Max's or Hookah's? I thought I read a while ago that a high percentage of sales had to be from smoking items to be exempt. I want to make sure I go to Max's on a Thursday night before the ban goes into effect to get the beer and a cigar for $6.00. That is a great deal!
Posted by: C Double | December 4, 2007 11:07 AM
JM and C Double,
Just got off the phone with Ron Furman, the owner of Max's. You will not be able to smoke a cigar inside Max's when the ban goes into effect.
Furman is applying for an outside seating license, partly because of the impending ban. But no, the Mobtown Lounge will be smoke free starting 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1.
Posted by: Sam Sessa | December 4, 2007 11:12 AM
I thought there was a month reprive?
Posted by: J.M. Giordano | December 4, 2007 11:25 AM
From my research. The ban goes into effect january 1, 2008. A bar may site a 'hardship' appeal. I think it is 15% dip in revenue to be exempt. Plus they pay a hefty fee for the exeption. That only lasts unitl 2010 or 2011, then EVERYWHERE is smoke free. Another way is to have an outdoor lounge/deck/patio/separate smoking room. I did hear a rumor that if a bar installs an upgraded HVAC system they maybe be exempt for the three years. I'm not sure how hookah bars fare in all this. In california, I watched the growing pains of bars going smokeless and the, "I'm never coming back here again!" line then only to have the same person(s) back at their rightful place at the end of the bar. Trust me, SF and other parts of CA, not just LA, gets wet, dreary and cold. P.S. - You think it sucks now, but you will come to love the new law. You will. Really you will.
Posted by: Justin | December 19, 2007 4:57 PM
I think that the walls of the Mt. Royal Tavern will collaspe. the smoke is holding them up!
Posted by: jmgiordano | December 19, 2007 10:49 PM