New Bar/Restaurant in the 19th Ward

Hello,

I recently joined the Location 19 website to make you aware of a college bar that is opening in my neighborhood. I am a longtime resident on S Plymouth Ave and I just became aware of a gentleman that is trying to open up a college bar at 1155 S Plymouth Ave. This is the same gentleman that has been buying up properties for students and evicting my friends and neighbors. I do not think the neighborhood needs a college bar. We will be inundated with drunk college kids on Friday and Saturday nights. The city and neighborhood must stand up to prevent this bar. It will only bring trouble. The bar name is Plymouth Roc. That is the same name of the gang that terrorized our streets years ago. We do not need this. We do not want this.

You can see details here. http://www.facebook.com/#!/PlymouthROC?sk=info

Sincerely,

Lucinda

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Anthony D'Alessandro on March 28, 2012 at 6:12pm

A lot of people have been asking about dress code policies and such... this is where we are currently at with that. Thoughts??

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Permalink Reply by Margy Meath on March 28, 2012 at 8:25pm

I've not seen any sort of 'dress code' like this in other establishments - the only time I've actually seen them are those that say things like "suits required" ('high end" type places) or "shirts and shoes required" for other types of places.

Feedback: you have a few "your"s that I think should be "you're". and a "to" that should be "too"

Re: "hoods" or things covering one's face, there are 2 issues: 1) there are some people because of religious or cultural reasons who cover their face/head - if I were one of those individuals I'd probably feel discriminated against. 2) "hoodies" is a pretty sensitive topic given recent news events so you may want to think more about that.....

Re: baggy clothes, underwear, sunglasses, etc -I'm not sure what type of customer you're trying to attract, but the dress code comes across as wanting to keep certain types of customers/apparel out. I'm not sure how that is going to be viewed by potential customers.

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Permalink Reply by Anthony D'Alessandro on March 28, 2012 at 9:09pm

If someone has religious convictions, I strongly feel that would be apparent and an exception may be granted. I wonder how banks deal with that situation. The policy is certainly not there to alienate anyone's religious beliefs. I am confident that those individuals would have the maturity to understand the situation.

We aren't telling anyone that they can't wear hoodies. If you are inside and you have your hood up it looks like your trying to hide yourself. We are trying to facilitate a safe environment and part of feeling safe is being able to see peoples face and eyes. Do you want to eat next to a group of people who have their heads hidden in hoods? I don't. Makes me feel uncomfortable. This has nothing to do with recent events or sensitivity. It has to do with transparency and safety.

Baggy Clothes etc, It all has to do with transparency and safety. We aren't trying to discourage "certain types" of people. I don't think that our policy is unreasonable. Do you like seeing people's underwear? do you like it when your in an establishment and someone's face and eyes are covered? If the clothes your wearing are so big that you could potentially have a weapon under them, who is to say you don't? Any person is more than welcome to come in and enjoy themselves, they just have to respect some simple rules. The only person we are trying to discourage is the one who is unwilling to recognize that we put a lot of time and effort into making this place nice and we would like them to show just a fraction of that effort by doing a couple things to make everyone feel safe. If they can't do that - then we are to assume they are up to no good.

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Permalink Reply by Margy Meath on March 28, 2012 at 9:22pm

It's your place and you can make whatever rules you want. I was simply offering my thoughts per your request.

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Permalink Reply by Anthony D'Alessandro on March 28, 2012 at 9:37pm

I know and I appreciate it! I apologize if it came off as barking. It is of crucial importance that the integrity of the intention of the policy is kept in tact. It is also important that the community understands the reasoning for such policies. Your questioning opened up further explanation. It's good.

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Permalink Reply by Barbara Warren on April 9, 2012 at 10:56am

This is a pretty common dress code in a lot of upscale restaurants. Also, plenty of places ask you to remove shades and hoodies or hats. The exception is baggy clothes The definition of "baggy" is very subjective -- Is a tent dress baggy? How about a puffy down jacket? (You'd lose most of your customers in the winter). Designer sweats? (Really common among bikers and joggers). Your boyfriend's or husband's university jacket? Come to think of it about 90 percent of my wardrobe could conceivably be described as "baggy", since I like loose, comfortable clothes.

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Permalink Reply by Anthony D'Alessandro on April 9, 2012 at 12:15pm

It is all about the safety of the staff and patrons. The focus of that particular policy is on "hiding" something. A jacket can be opened up to alleviate that problem. The policy will be posted outside the building for all to see and online on the website. We aren't trying to take anyone off guard. People will have the information they need to plan accordingly. While it may create some unfortunate inconvenient situations, all in all, it will be to a great advantage when people can count on and look forward to a consistent, clean, and safe environment. Let's not forget they are guests coming in to our house and we want more than anything to be hospitable. For us to be hospitable we have to feel safe.

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Permalink Reply by Barbara Warren on April 9, 2012 at 12:43pm

If someone truly wants to bring a weapon into a venue nothing --not even a patdown at the door -- will stop them. That was the solution they used at the old Marquis on St Paul St -- and it didn't work. They were shut down after the 2d or 3d stabbing. You would do better to focus on the security cameras--making sure faces are visible and people know they are on camera is your best deterrent. I really wouldn't want to debate "Is this shirt too baggy for them?" every time I considered eating there. Also if I come with a group we would all have to worry "Is YOUR shirt too baggy? How about yours? or yours?" bad idea. Your best security is lots of good customers. And that policy SCREAMS "It's dangerous here!!" Is it really worth it for a ineffective policy? Rite Aid on Monroe Ave has a discreet sign on their door--"Please remove hoodies and shades before entering" --very effective.

BTW, are you any relation to the Frank & Steins near Church St Station in Orlando?

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Permalink Reply by Anthony D'Alessandro on April 9, 2012 at 5:50pm

Definitely some good points that I will keep in mind. I agree with focusing more on the cameras and visibility. I also agree with the best security is lots of good customers. No relation to the one in Orlando, there are actually a number of unrelated Frank & Steins throughout the country. Are you from Orlando?

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Permalink Reply by Barbara Warren on April 9, 2012 at 11:22pm

My daughter is a teacher in Orlando; I've been to the Church St Station area many times.

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Permalink Reply by Barbara Warren on April 10, 2012 at 12:32am

Do you still need letters from neighbors for your variance application?

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Permalink Reply by Anthony D'Alessandro on April 10, 2012 at 12:32pm

Absolutely I would really appreciate it! let me know if you have any questions. You can send it ajdd85@gmail.com and I will include it in our support addendum