5 Degrees–Francois Safieddine, the owner of this club, asked us to allow him to have a band on the patio for a DNC-related event this past Monday. We agreed, provided that the band stop playing at midnight. The promoter was aware of the deal, but when midnight came he tried to browbeat Francois into letting the band play, going so far as to offer to pay the $1,000 which doing so might have cost Francois (to say nothing of relations with us). Francois held firm in what was observed to be a very heated exchange with the promoter. Good for him.
A real alley bar–On Tuesday, a group blocked off about a third of the Alley between Blake and Wazee Streets and 15th and 16th, laid down some astroturf and set up to play for and provide refreshments to the Alabama Delegation. Maybe OK liquor wise (a private party) but blocking the alley without notice or the OK from Public Works? Probably not the only case of rules being overwhelmed in connection with the Dems.
Le Rouge to Lavish–You are probably familiar with Le Rouge, the place at 1448 Market Street that was supposed to operate like a restaurant but even its owners conceded was more like a club. Despite our real disappointment on this score, Le Rouge’s operations never seemed to cause any troubles. It opened in March 2006, but slightly over a year later was closed amid charges and counter charges between the partners which are to be arbitrated soon. In the meantime, the 2 remaining owners of Le Rouge sought to transfer its licenses to Lavish Restaurant and Lounge, which they also own. This raised questions about the status of our rights following any transfer under a 2005 Agreement we had negotiated with Le Rouge. We talked to the owners, and they signed an agreement whereby the rights and obligations of the parties under the 2005 Agreement continue in effect as to Lavish, the new entity. Now we are waiting to find out specifically what they have in mind for the space.