Don't Know Tavern's innovative answer to drunk driving
Check out Don't Know Tavern's new special, according to an email I got from proprietor Jason Zink:
We are going to take half off the customer's check up to the amount of the cab fare. Specials do not apply and we need a printed receipt from the cab. This should help ease the parking situation a tad bit and I am hoping that maybe other places might follow if it is successful. This will also help with drinking and driving.
Great idea, Jason. I hope other bars follow your lead.
Don't Know Tavern is at 1453 Light St.
(Photo by Sun staff)
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
Jason,
That's a really smart move. Good thinking.
Posted by: Mark Twain | January 9, 2009 9:26 AM
Dude. That is a fantastic idea. Kudos to this guy for stepping up to combat this problem.
My hat goes off to you sir.
Posted by: JPolicastro | January 9, 2009 9:51 AM
Bravo Jason
Posted by: Evan | January 9, 2009 10:05 AM
everyone i have talked to about this has agreed it's a great idea. so much so i may just see you this weekend.
Posted by: ryan97ou | January 9, 2009 10:13 AM
So if I take a cab to the bar, I need a printed receipt? Do cabs have the ability to print out receipts from the car? I want to make sure I understand this concept.
Posted by: Mike W. 1000 | January 9, 2009 11:17 AM
Mike,
Cabs have receipts, sometimes they handwrite then I was told that you can now pay cabs with debit cards, and if that is the case I am assuming that something has to print up.
If we feel that the handwritten receipts become fraudulent then we might cap the amount for around $25, but for now we are going to play it by ear.
If you take a cab ride to Don't Know and it costs $40 and your check is $50, you will receive $25 off your check, food and alcohol. But if you cab ride is $40 and you tab is $100, you will receive $40 off your check.
No Idea Tavern is doing the same thing, however food isn't included, only alcohol.
If you have any questions, feel free to call the establishments.
Posted by: jason | January 9, 2009 12:39 PM
people should just put magnetic taxi signs, like the ones in the picture on the roof of their car. cabs get away with genocide in this city. (i didn't want to say murder because it seems like getting away with murder is de rigueur in bmore. rimshot.)
Posted by: bill | January 9, 2009 1:48 PM
Zounds - one thing to consider - yes, many (not all) cabs can print receipts (with debit/credit purchases), but they also add on an additional surcharge for the simple fact of using a card. Is that also covered?
Posted by: Steven Dashiell | January 9, 2009 1:50 PM
Steve,
Everything is covered except for the tip. I am trying to make this easy as possible but the wording has been more difficult than I thought it would be. Unfortunately, I still have to be careful of people taking advantage of a good thing. I am not going to fuss over a surcharge. It is meant to increase business, increase, parking for residents and decrease drinking and driving.
Posted by: jason | January 9, 2009 5:20 PM
Jason,
I drafted a sample terms and conditions for your new promotion. I sent it to the email that you hardly check.
Should you plan on using it, let me know if you want it reworked.
Posted by: Mark Twain, Esq. | January 9, 2009 8:13 PM
I am happy to report i visited jason's fine establishment last night via cab ($10) and was rewarded with $10 off our tab. Jason even came up and said thanks for coming...
the place was packed too. I forgot they had $7 all you can drink wine from 5-8 for ladies.
thanks jason.
Posted by: ryan97ou | January 10, 2009 3:51 PM