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News & ArtsWednesday, October 26, 2011
City / Nightlife State Changes Stupid Law, Allows Performers to Drink On Stage
Posted by Cienna Madrid on Wed, Oct 26, 2011 at 11:20 AM
Minutes ago, the state's Liquor Control Board agreed to change a state law to allow performers to drink alcohol on stage at venues. I'm told that the rule change, which will go into effect on November 26, will permit performers to drink in unlabeled containers only (i.e. glasses instead of Rainier cans).
Let me repeat that—after years of bitching in Seattle and elsewhere, MUSICIANS ARE NOW ALLOWED TO DRINK ON STAGE!
The quick back story: A state law older than fun itself had prohibited musicians, comedians, authors, monologists, and anyone else with a stage (or soapbox) from drinking while performing. The state's convoluted logic was that the performers were temporary employees of the bars, restaurants, and casinos they performed in, and as such, couldn't drink while on the clock.
Basically, this rule change puts us in step with the rest of the goddamn country. Hurrah for normalcy!
6
Oh hooray! I was just wondering what was up with this and assuming no news was bad news. Too bad it can't go into effect immediately (since I'll be on stage tonight and tomorrow), but I'll take it!
7
Part of me was hoping they'd go the other way and decide that if I'm an employee, I'm entitled to minimum wage and workplace protections. But I suppose beer is just as good.
9
Hmmm, this makes me curious. How did choreographer Jessie Smith get around this for her performance a few years back where drinking shots of vodka while dancing was the central conceit of the piece? Was the show just too low profile? Was it because the venue didn't serve alcohol to the patrons?
Anyway, congrats to musicians and other performers who may now (er.. soonly) booze it up onstage! And sorry to any groovy touring bands with shows on Nov 25.
Anyway, congrats to musicians and other performers who may now (er.. soonly) booze it up onstage! And sorry to any groovy touring bands with shows on Nov 25.
10
It should be pointed out that some bars interpreted this law as being applicable to open mic's (volunteer performers) as well.
However, I have seen enough drinking on stage over the years to see that enforcement of this has been sporadic (I never saw Ween without their bottles of beer on stage, and I knew that it was Jack Daniels in the Drive-By Truckers clear plastic bottles). I think the unmarked container clause is completely stupid.
However, I have seen enough drinking on stage over the years to see that enforcement of this has been sporadic (I never saw Ween without their bottles of beer on stage, and I knew that it was Jack Daniels in the Drive-By Truckers clear plastic bottles). I think the unmarked container clause is completely stupid.
11
I dunno, I always liked thinking that the tray of Jaeger shots sent up to the band was a criminal act, done in defiance, a big "fuck you" to THE MAN. Now it's just a tray of Jaeger shots. What really bothered me is that bars always have Jaeger but never Fernet Branca, which would be a much more fun thing to send up to an unsuspecting band.
I would estimate that at least 2/3 of the bands I've seen in Seattle had beer on stage, including bottles. Just, you know, be discreet. Maybe the law will make a difference in large venues with liquor cops in attendance.
I would estimate that at least 2/3 of the bands I've seen in Seattle had beer on stage, including bottles. Just, you know, be discreet. Maybe the law will make a difference in large venues with liquor cops in attendance.
12
They can feel the sword of our votes on the liquor initiative hanging over their heads and they are frightened.
13
Why unlabelled? Booze companies sponsor shows to bring down cover charges in the hopes you'll buy some booze. Performers are in on this, why can't they advertise it?
14
As somebody who plays in a touring band and loves playing in Washington let me just say: It's about time! That was a preposterous rule mocked throughout the US, and I only wish it had been repealed when we were up there a week and a half ago.
15
Hey cool, now they dont have to hide the bottles or glass mugs on stage. And when they get really drunk, they can throw them at you. Dont think it will happen? Might if you push closing time passed 2AM, gives you more time to get smashed.
16
This is great news.
I'm sure it's just a coincidence that it's happening in a year when privatization of liquor (and a massive reduction in the role of the WSLCB) is on the ballot....
I'm sure it's just a coincidence that it's happening in a year when privatization of liquor (and a massive reduction in the role of the WSLCB) is on the ballot....
17
When will we be allowed to booze it up freely in the park? And, if i keep my bottle of Manischewitz in a paper bag so that no one can see what it is, is it okay?
18
It would be cool if some drinks could be sold and served from the stage to the audience who have claimed their spot at the front early on and are not giving it up but still would like a refreshing drink.
Oh, and I can't wait for the day when one doesn't need to "hid" their beer in a paper bag while at say the Cairo. Everyone by now should know that when you see someone drinking in public from a paper bag there's booze in there and it's silly to hid it like that. Stupid public drinking law.
Oh, and I can't wait for the day when one doesn't need to "hid" their beer in a paper bag while at say the Cairo. Everyone by now should know that when you see someone drinking in public from a paper bag there's booze in there and it's silly to hid it like that. Stupid public drinking law.
19
Had no idea there was such a law. I played in bar bands in Washington for several years and usually had a beer with me on stage. Not once, ever, did anyone, bar owner or otherwise, tell me I couldn't or that I needed to hide it.
23
Finally. This effects DJs as well. It sucks not being able to sip a drink while you spin records. No more! Now let's privatize our liquor stores and get the State even more out of our personal lives and entertainment.
24
Wow...I think the guys in my band would be flabbergasted to learn that it's even POSSIBLE to play without a beer within arm's reach. And I thought our state (New Mexico) was backward.
25
Wow...I think the guys in my band would be flabbergasted to learn that it's even POSSIBLE to play without a beer within arm's reach. And I thought our state (New Mexico) was backward.
27
At the Ocean Shores Irish Music Festival last weekend, there were many rounds taken for freedom a month in advance of liberation day!
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