After a summer surge that devastated the state’s plans to cut back on restrictions, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has tried to put his state back on the reopening track. In late August, he hinted at new reopening plans being on the way before rolling out an executive order in September that boosted the capacity allowed in places like restaurants and shops. And last week Abbott took action on bars in the state, which he had ordered closed back in late June amid the surge, saying the venues could soon reopen at as high as 50 percent capacity in most places if […]
Bars
36 posts
British MPs will not be exempt from the pub-shuttering lockdown after all. The Speaker of the House has ordered a temporary ban on alcohol sales in the House of Commons in a gesture of solidarity with the common folk. Days before London is to come under a Tier 2 Covid-19 lockdown, MPs were told they will have to lose some of their drinking privileges too. The bars and restaurants operating in the House of Commons had been exempted from the new social distancing rules imposed on the British hospitality industry because they counted as “workplace canteens.” But now they will have […]
Parisian restaurant and bar workers have taken to the streets carrying a mock coffin, an expression of their anger at new Covid-19 restrictions, which they say will kill off the whole industry. At a rally organized by the local trade association in the French capital on Thursday, the protesters staged the mock funeral procession with the words “Bars – restaurants – clubs” written on the coffin.Others held up a sign “Restaurant industry 1686-2020, RIP,” referring to the year when the first café-type business was opened in Paris. Some of the protesters have been seen brandishing smoke flares. The activists denounced what […]
With Covid-19 cases soaring in the Belgian capital, the premier of the Brussels region, Rudi Vervoort, has announced that bars and cafes will have to close for one month starting from Thursday. The regional government is taking additional steps to tackle the coronavirus pandemic as cases continue to rise in the Brussels-Capital Region, Minister-President Vervoort told a news conference on Wednesday. From Thursday, all bars and cafes will have to shut their doors, while restaurants will remain open. The minister-president claimed the new restrictions were not about alcohol, as even establishments that don’t serve it will have to close. “Serving alcohol […]
The coronavirus pandemic has managed to affect nearly every facet of life in America. Bars are certainly not exempt and the industry will find itself dealing with the repercussions of the pandemic for years to come. So how will this unprecedented period change the layout of bars and how they function? On this special episode of the award-winning podcast Life Behind Bars, co-hosts David Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum talk to three top bartenders—Alexis Brown from Chicago, Ivy Mix from New York, and Jeffrey Morgenthaler from Portland, Oregon—about what the near future holds. So mix yourself a drink and listen to this […]
During times like these, how are bars across the country changing their drinks menus? Is it better to go with tried-and-true classics or to offer innovative and creative concoctions? On this special episode of the award-winning podcast Life Behind Bars, co-hosts David Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum talk to three top bartenders—Claire Sprouse from New York, Erick Castro from San Diego and Omar Yeefoon from Dallas—about what folks want to drink now and how the pandemic has changed the thought process behind putting together menus. So mix yourself a drink and listen to this important episode of Life Behind Bars: What I’ve […]
The mayor of Tuscaloosa is letting bars near the University of Alabama reopen on Tuesday, even though the school just reported more than 800 new cases. In a press release, Mayor Walt Maddox citied a “positive trend” in results, saying an overall decline in community positivity rates “provides an opportunity for a limited reopening of bars which have sacrificed a great deal to protect our healthcare system and economy.” At the same time, the university reported 846 new cases over the last week—the largest increase in a single week since classes began. Maddox shut down all bars in the area for […]
If hiring, training and managing a staff is one of the hardest parts of running a bar, try doing it during a pandemic. On this special episode of the award-winning podcast Life Behind Bars, co-hosts David Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum talk to three top bartenders—Ryan Fitzgerald from San Francisco, Anu Apte from Seattle and Derek Brown from Washington, D.C.—about their experiences during the coronavirus pandemic and how their roles and management styles have evolved. So mix yourself a drink and listen to this important episode of Life Behind Bars: What I’ve Learned. Cheers! Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah […]
If there was ever a time to have a glass of bourbon, now is it. Back in 2007, Congress passed a resolution declaring September National Bourbon Heritage Month. On this episode of the award-winning podcast Life Behind Bars, co-hosts David Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum are joined by Trey Zoeller, founder of Jefferson’s Bourbon, to talk about why the month-long holiday was created and how to properly celebrate it. So fix yourself a glass of bourbon and listen to this episode of Life Behind Bars. Cheers! Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah Rothbaum and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich […]
A U.S. district judge disagrees with the Trump administration’s argument that U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees are adequately trained to screen asylum claims. Eric Gay/AP hide caption toggle caption Eric Gay/AP A U.S. district judge disagrees with the Trump administration’s argument that U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees are adequately trained to screen asylum claims. Eric Gay/AP U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents lack the training to take over the initial processing of asylum claims, a federal judge wrote in a ruling filed Monday. For nearly 20 years officers from Citizenship and Immigration Services have conducted all interviews with asylum […]
Thanks to coronavirus closures, cities across the country have now allowed bars and restaurants to offer customers to-go drinks. On this special episode of the award-winning podcast Life Behind Bars, co-hosts David Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum talk to three top bartenders—Karl Franz Williams from New York, Christine Wiseman from Los Angeles, and Andrew Volk from Maine—about this important change in the bar industry. They discuss the new-found skills required to create to-go cocktails, as well as which drinks are (and aren’t) selling out. So mix yourself a drink and listen to this important episode of Life Behind Bars: What I’ve Learned. […]
Bartenders and bar owners are on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. And one of the greatest challenges facing them today is getting their customers to wear face masks. On this special episode of the award-winning podcast Life Behind Bars, co-hosts David Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum talk to three top bartenders, Neal Bodenheimer from New Orleans, Alex Jump from Denver and Masa Urushido from New York, about this important issue. They discuss how patrons have reacted to having to wear masks in their establishments and offer some advice for conducting these sometimes delicate conversations. So mix yourself a drink and […]
On 22 May 2017 suicide bomber Salman Abedi detonated a device in the foyer of Manchester Arena moments after an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 people. His brother Hashem was extradited from Libya and convicted by a jury in London. Hashem Abedi has been jailed for the murder of 22 people who were blown up by his suicide bomber brother, Salman, at the Manchester Arena in May 2017. Abedi, 23, who was extradited from Libya last year, had denied 22 counts of murder, attempted murder and conspiring to cause explosions. But he was convicted earlier this year and on Thursday 20 […]
The Martini and the Manhattan are two of the bedrock drinks that hold up the entire world of cocktails. While both have their own lore, mythology and fans, they in fact may be essentially the same drink. On this episode of the award-winning podcast Life Behind Bars, co-hosts David Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum discuss the origins of the two drinks and how they evolved into distinct recipes. So mix yourself a Manhattan or a Martini and listen to this episode of Life Behind Bars. Cheers! Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah Rothbaum and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich […]
The Full Throttle Saloon in Sturgis, S.D., draws a crowd earlier this month during the 80th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images The Full Throttle Saloon in Sturgis, S.D., draws a crowd earlier this month during the 80th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images From the early days of the U.S. coronavirus outbreak, states have wrestled with the best course of action for the nation’s imperiled bars and nightclubs. Many of these businesses find their economic prospects tied to a virus that preys on their industry’s lifeblood — social gatherings in tight […]
The coronavirus has the potential to decimate bars across America. Already a number of well-known establishments have announced that they won’t reopen and many others are struggling to stay afloat during these challenging times. On this episode of the award-winning podcast Life Behind Bars, co-hosts David Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum are joined by Nate Whitehouse, co-founder of Thirst, to talk about his organization’s efforts to get insurance companies and the federal government to help bars stay in business. So, fix yourself a drink and listen to this episode of Life Behind Bars. Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah Rothbaum […]
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo-itemprop.png Sputnik International https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png Sputnik https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png https://sputniknews.com/us/202007211079940546-us-house-adds-measure-to-defence-bill-that-bars-funding-for-new-nuclear-testing-in-2021/ WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – The US House of Representatives has added an amendment to the new National Defence Authorization Act that would prohibit funding for nuclear testing in the fiscal year 2021. The amendment, introduced by lawmakers Steven Horsford and Dina Titus introduced on 8 June, was adopted on Monday evening with a 227-179 vote. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering conducting the United States’ first nuclear test since 1992 to pressure Russia and China into negotiating a trilateral arms control deal. In light of the reports, US Special Presidential Envoy for Arms Control Marshall Billingslea […]
Cadbury has been reducing portion sizes for years, in 2014 the company introduced a 250 calorie cap on all single-serve chocolate bars and launched a 98 calorie Dairy Milk bar. In 2019 the chocolate manufacturer also launched a Cadbury Dairy Milk bar with 30 percent less sugar. Popular confectionery brand Cadbury has announced it will be shrinking its chocolate bars sold in multipacks in an effort to tackle obesity. Mondelēz International, the company who own Cadbury have pledged to reduce the number of calories in their treats sold in four packs to 200 calories by the end of 2021. The company […]
California Governor Gavin Newsom has kicked off a storm of criticism with a new statewide shutdown order, mandating that bars and restaurants, among other businesses, halt indoor operations amid a surge in coronavirus infections. Announced at a press conference on Monday, the new order requires that bars across California shut down altogether, while restaurants, movie theaters, zoos, museums and a number of other establishments must suspend all business activities indoors. In a number of counties on the state’s “monitoring list,” gyms, places of worship, salons, malls and other facilities deemed non-critical have also been forced to close down under the new […]
David Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum, the co-hosts of the award-winning podcast Life Behind Bars, share the bars they wish were still open: From a pioneering 18th-century punch house to Jerry Thomas’ legendary New York bar to Dale DeGroff shaking up drinks in the Rainbow Room to the recently closed Pegu Club. Their virtual bar crawl across centuries and continents covers the establishments that they have long dreamt of visiting, as well as some modern personal favorites that are no more. Which bars do you wish you could go back in time to check out? Let the hosts know on Twitter. So, […]
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/107981/36/1079813657_0:20:2739:1561_1200x675_80_0_0_be5d3c7d7f311f6913b52d54c7dea1b1.jpg Sputnik International https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png Sputnik https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png https://sputniknews.com/us/202007061079813645-california-shuts-down-bars-wineries-in-key-counties-as-covid-19-spreads-again—governor/ WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – The California authorities have asked six counties in the state to shut down indoor restaurants, movie theatres, zoos and museums after a week which saw more than 55,000 novel coronavirus cases, Governor Gavin Newsom announced. Newsom said that bars in California have also been ordered to close down all their operations. NEW: #COVID19 cases continue to spread at alarming rates in some CA counties. CA is now asking Colusa, Madera, Marin, Merced, Monterey & San Diego to close indoor operations for: -Restaurants-Wineries-Movie theaters-Zoos, museums-Cardrooms Bars must close ALL operations. — Gavin […]
Of the many things we’ve (temporarily) lost thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, late nights at the local bar are one of the most dearly missed—unless, of course, you’re a knucklehead in Florida, Texas, Arizona, Georgia or California who continues to visit watering holes without wearing a mask or practicing social distancing, personal and public safety be damned. For those responsible Americans pining for the beloved and time-honored ritual of staying out until the wee hours of the morning downing beers or cocktails, Bloody Nose, Empty Pockets has arrived to provide a vicarious approximation of that experience—and, in the process, to pay […]
Prisoners Mobilize For Black Lives And Against Brutality Behind Bars By Ella Fassler, Truthout. July 4, 2020 Prisoners Mobilize For Black Lives And Against Brutality Behind Bars2020-07-042020-07-04https://popularresistance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2017/12/popres-shorter.pngPopularResistance.Orghttps://popularresistance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2020/07/protesters-outside-of-brooklyn-detention-center-getty-images.-e1593887596519.jpg200px200px Above photo: Demonstrators and family protest the death of Jamel Floyd at the hands of prison guards in front of the Brooklyn Detention Center in Brooklyn on June 26, 2020. By John Lamparski, Nurphoto via Getty Images. Over Memorial Day weekend, a mob of ten or more prison guards maced and beat “Pooh Bear,” a Black man incarcerated in Alabama’s Kilby Correctional Facility, in the head arms, ribs, legs and back with clubs. An officer […]
British customers should use the guest WiFi of pubs, bars and restaurants as a means of aiding the upcoming COVID-19 track and trace requirements, issued by their government, argues technology firm Purple WiFi. The UK-based company, which specialises in data capture and predictive analytics, notes that it would be inefficient and less secure for businesses in the hospitality industry, which will start to re-open on 4 July 2020, to have to collect customer data from every person who comes to their premises to buy a pint or order food. Dean Cookson, Purple’s Marketing Director, explains why he thinks his company’s WiFi technology […]
Arizona bars, nightclubs and gyms face mandatory shutdowns amid coronavirus spike Howard Fischer Capitol Media Services/Tucson.com Conceding he made a mistake in allowing them to reopen, Gov. Doug Ducey on Monday shuttered all bars in the state for at least the next 30 days. Ditto gyms, water parks, movie theaters and tubing along Arizona rivers. And schools won’t open until at least Aug. 17, two weeks later than the planned start date for most districts on traditional calendars. UPDATES: Tucson area coronavirus developments, June 30: Here’s what we know The moves come as Ducey acknowledged the explosion of cases of COVID-19 […]
Doug Ducey Arizona Governor Doug Ducey (R) on Monday ordered all bars, clubs, gyms, waterparks and theaters closed for at least 30 days to ‘slow the spread of Coronavirus.’ Here we go again. Just in time for Fourth of July. Rioting and looting is allowed, but no 4th of July parties. TRENDING: St. Louis Circuit Attorney Threatens to Take Action Against Couple Who Protected Home Against Protest Mob on Private Street Governor Ducey made his decision based on confirmed cases of Coronavirus soaring over the last week. According to reports, daily cases surpassed the 3,000 mark. “We’re not going back to […]
After months of sheltering in place, David Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum, co-hosts of the award-winning podcast Life Behind Bars, are daydreaming about visiting their favorite bars around the world. Listen in as they plan a bar crawl for the ages, which will hit New York, New Orleans, Detroit, Miami, Havana, Tequila, London, Paris and spots in between. Did they miss your favorite establishment? Let the hosts know on Twitter what bar you’d like to visit right now. So fix yourself a cocktail and listen to this episode of Life Behind Bars. Cheers! Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah Rothbaum […]
Little social distancing was seen at an enormous rally in Brooklyn, which ironically took place just as the New York State governor signed-out bars and restaurants as the grossest violators of the Covid-19 lockdown rules. Thousands of white-clad protesters have filled the courtyard of the Brooklyn Museum in solidarity with the black transgender community, and to draw attention to the deaths of transgender people in prisons and police custody. The crowd, however, appeared to be completely ignoring social distancing rules put in place to slow down the spread of Covid-19 – prompting many to wonder how this stands with New York […]
After weeks of being closed for a mandatory coronavirus shutdown, bars in New Orleans have begun to reopen with limited capacity. On this episode of the award-winning podcast Life Behind Bars, co-hosts David Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum are joined by Neal Bodenheimer, owner of James Beard Award-winning Nola bar Cure, to talk about his recent experiences reopening and the challenges that he’s had to overcome. So fix yourself a Sazerac and listen to this episode of Life Behind Bars. Cheers! Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah Rothbaum and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich as they discuss the greatest […]
Since March 23, bars and restaurants across the United Kingdom have been closed in attempt to fight the spread of the coronavirus. According to the UK’s Wine & Spirit Trade Association, the country’s industry employs in excess of 385,000 people and sales in bars and restaurants is worth £10.6 billion. Pubs and bars are an intrinsic part of British culture and daily life, and having them closed, to say the least, has been a major adjustment for the public and devastating to the industry. While it’s still unknown when it will be safe to reopen, the real question is will any […]
An IKEA HR manager has been charged in Poland with violating the religious rights of a Bible-citing employee, who was fired after refusing to endorse a pro-LGBT event. Now, the manager could end up behind bars. The Warsaw-Praga District Prosecutor’s Office has decided to press charges against the manager, whose identity has not been revealed, arguing that this person has infringed upon an employee’s rights on the basis of religion. The decision to sack the employee was based on “arbitrary assessment and prejudice” toward a man expressing “Christian” views, it added. Now, this person could face anything between a fine and […]
Since the outbreak of the coronavirus, liquor store sales are up across the country with many folks fixing cocktails at home. On this episode of the award-winning podcast Life Behind Bars, co-hosts David Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum discuss the return of America’s nightly cocktail hour and what people are mixing up. They also discuss the long-term effects of the coronavirus on the bar industry and how it might change after this pandemic is finished. So mix yourself a drink and listen to this episode of Life Behind Bars. Cheers! Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah Rothbaum and its Senior […]
“Just to be clear, we’re not COVID-deniers or anything.” Dustin Evans is nervous right now. But the 31-year-old general manager of Southern Roots Brewing Company in downtown Waco, Texas, is committed to reopening his bar at 25-percent capacity on Friday, even with small children and a pregnant wife at home. After all, COVID-19 cases seemed to taper off in his area, with four new infections reported Wednesday marking the first uptick in days. “It’s not an easy decision, but my parents have poured their life into this business,” Evans told The Daily Beast. “It might be a little dance with the […]
What happens when two committed bar flies can’t go to a bar? Find out on this episode of the award-winning podcast Life Behind Bars. While sheltering in place at their respective homes, co-hosts David Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum discuss the history of drinking during plagues and some of the cocktail cures that were created and popularized. (Spoiler alert: Rock and Rye doesn’t actually protect you from tuberculosis.) So fix yourself a drink and listen to this episode of Life Behind Bars. Cheers! Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah Rothbaum and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich as they discuss […]
SEOUL—The message, accompanied by loud buzzing, flashes on the screens of millions of mobile phones, the headline in red letters in English—“Emergency Alert”—the rest in Korean: “Anyone who has been in Itaewon from April 21 to May 6 should be tested.” For thousands, it’s the next sentence that really counts: “We can test anonymously.” “Coronavirus strikes regardless of people or places.” — Lee Jung-geol, leader of the Rainbow Coalition Against Social Discrimination The reason for the guarantee of anonymity is clear to the hundreds in South Korea’s LGBT community who had flocked to clubs in Itaewon, an historic district of nightlife, […]
Since the coronavirus emerged, the most visible clashes over the stay-at-home orders meant to combat the virus’ spread have played out at state capitols, with armed men trying to rush the Michigan state house or protesters clashing with California Highway Patrol officers in Sacramento. But last Saturday, the front lines of coronavirus culture wars began moving away from the epicenters of government and closer towards actual main street. Last weekend, the Bad “S” Icehouse in the small Gulf Coast town of Oyster Creek, Texas, became the scene of one such confrontation after owner Shauntae Johnston was set to reopen in defiance […]