As we swear in a new president and begin a new era, there definitely is a sense of change. But, for the everyday life of restaurants and bars, the song remains the same. January has rolled on much as December and the visage of February feels ominous. And although I still hold out optimism, I know businesses are suffering and failing and friends of mine are facing catastrophe. As places that survived with outdoor dining and Take Out, now take time off to hold out, I’d like to focus on a part of the industry that is under represented and under valued: the 48 licenses.

48- On-Sale General- Public Premises

(Bar, Night Club) Authorizes the sale of beer, wine and distilled spirits for consumption on the premises where sold. Authorizes the sale of beer and wine for consumption off the premises where sold. Minors are not allowed to enter and remain (see Section 25663.5 for exception, musicians). Food service is not required.

These are the business that have been swept under the national rug and kept in the corner as an ugly victim of the Pandemic. Now, this isn’t a political forum but I would say that as restaurants were allowed outdoor dining, bars were not and the comment that liquor is the reason only works in so far as that restaurants also serve liquor. As do grocery and drug stores. A friend of mine gave me a great piece of commentary when he told me Alcoholic Anonymous meetings were banned during quarantine but liquor stores were not.

Be that as it may, the bars are rarely owned by franchises or big business and are owned by hard working people. They are family businesses and provide commerce to the neighborhoods in which they reside. And I know the arguments, (close spaces, loud shouting or singing, etc) so don’t come after me with that argument.

I’d like to give my Tip of the Cap this week to the South Bay 48s.

Hermosa Saloon– owned by my golf buddy, Kenny Garmoe, the Saloon sign says Est. 1975, but the history of the building goes way before then. Local color is the face of the crowd and music, when allowed, is the draw. During the Pandemic, Kenny put in a tremendous effort at changing the look and face of the Saloon and it looks great. The staff is missed. The smiling faces of Hayley and Cass and the gruff exterior with a heart of gold, in Ray Zur. We will see you all soon.

Bac Street– Bac Street is a good, old fashioned neighborhood spot and used to be part of the Artesia Triangle with Bogey’s and the Thirsty Club (Bogey’s is closed). It’s always nice to walk in there and see Kristie Boitano, maybe Ashley, and enjoy a few minutes with them and run into a crew of loyal regulars.

Artesia has taken a hit with the closings during the Pandemic and the street is littered with shuttered businesses. Bac Street has weathered the storm. Here’s to them holding out and opening soon.

Paddy O’Brien’s– Paddy’s on Aviation is a good bridge from the eastern section of the South Bay to the beach. It’s always likely to run into Cori Davis working, when one visits there and you’re more than likely to run into a patron from one of the other spots. One of Patrick Mescall and Brian Eldridge’s spots (Sly Fox and The Bounty Room being the others), this is the golden child and a great place to share a laugh and play pool.

Thirsty Club, Pat’s II, The Greatest, RoadHouse…. these places are closed businesses that employ people who love and need to work. As with all of the establishments I’ve written about. These are the places forgotten but not gone. I promise they’ll reopen and I hope they see a better day than the prior year has granted. I hope we all do.