A state’s silly “restaurant law” just got served.
The Bank Street Brewhouse in New Albany, Ind. recently tacked on a food menu to its beverage offerings to comply with Indiana state regulations. Under the law, bars must operate as “restaurants,” meaning they have to serve their own grub in addition to drink. Via Reddit (and h/t to Reason and @bomble), here’s how BSB obeys:
The story is funny without further context, but becomes maddening when considering the brewhouse’s economic circumstances. BSB once served a legitimate menu, but it discontinued service in May for financial reasons. The brewing company’s owner, Roger Baylor (who was unavailable when Red Alert contacted the brewhouse for comment), wrote on its website that “sometimes we made a bit of money, sometimes not, but altogether, it wasn’t enough.”
BSB didn’t make it long before being punished. Soon after closing the kitchen, the brewhouse was hit with a citation, Roadtrippers.com wrote — where you can find additional pictures of the menu and an anecdote — necessitating the invention of a new bill of fare.
Then entered microwaved hotdogs and canned soup. (Unrelated to the law, the establishment also invites patrons to bring their own food or have it delivered.)
Moral of the story: a businessman was penalized for trying to make the best decision for his organization.
Red Alert confirmed with the brewhouse that the menu is still current.
– Ed note: As is the excellence of the brew, I’m sure — New Albany is not far from where I was raised, and the brewhouse’s label, New Albanian Brewing, offers some superb and unconventional choices. Its sour beer is fantastic.
