 | The Cavalier daily Thursday, October 22, 1970 |  |
Antiquated Liquor Laws
For the most part, however, the
wood-paneled room is filled with tables and a
small bar. There is also a cover charge of $1.00
to get downstairs and hear the band. "The
Ghost House," which could be characterized as
a pop-rock group, has been the regular
performer at 'Poe's' since the summer.
It seems that 'Poe's' is also a victim of
Virginia's antiquated liquor laws. Having the
youngest proprietors of Charlottesville's night
clubs, 'Poe's' is subject to frequent visits from
local A.B.C. Board and narcotics agents. But the
owners are quick to point out that no arrests
have been made on the premises and they still
have their liquor license. I.D.'s are scrupulously
inspected not only to keep out people under 18
years of age, but also to be sure that those not
yet 21 are served only 3.2 beer. If you've 21,
your hand is stamped. And the waitress, Suzie,
normally a good-natured sort, becomes quite
stern at under-aged requests for a more-potent
liquor.
As stereotypes, the 'Poe's' owners are as
different as day and night. Chuck Davis, a
Virginia graduate and the "silent partner" at
'Poe's', is an insurance salesman during the day.
Al Bonnewell, who graduated from VCU, sports
long hair and an enviable handlebar moustache.
G. Robert Jones, with his impish, John Lennon
grin, finds himself somewhere in the middle. All
three men are originally from Norfolk. Messrs.
Bonnewell and Jones are both musicians and
Army graduates.
Their diversity is reflected in their
customers. 'Poe's' patrons include salesmen,
bankers, hospital personnel, fraternity men,
married couples, coeds, "yippies," "freaks" and
regular old college students. Their patronage is
what Al Bonnewell likes to call "a cross-section
of really nice people."
| The Cavalier daily Thursday, October 22, 1970 | |