07/08/2020
We have been holding on and trying to last as long as possible in order to reopen. Unfortunately, with all of the social distancing restrictions in place we are left with no options. We will not be reopening. We really and truly love you all and wish that this wasn't the way. We are cherishing all of the crazy memories and reminiscing over all the weird moments. We would love you to share your favorite memories here.
In case you forgot, we have a few random nicknacks and collectibles scattered around (not to mention the mountain of stuff stashed in the basement). So here's the deal, its time for the biggest tag sale of all time! Like Arkham? Well come grab a piece of it to keep as a lifelong souvenir. From t-shirts to artwork to figurines to fridges to glasses to balloons to toys to chairs to flags to costumes.....we have something for everyone. Socially distanced rules will apply, and only a few people will be allowed in to shop at a time. This is first come, first served so get on it or make a request. All proceeds will be going towards paying off our gigantic mountain of bills and debt.
This is really hard for me. Arkham has been a foundation of my Brattleboro experience. I truly love the community that has formed around this bar. It is strong, resilient, and caring. We take care of each other, we support each other, and we heal together when we're hurt. Arkham has been where so many of us gather when we lose a member of our community. We comfort one another when we hurt and right now is no different. Please keep checking in on one another, make that awkward phone call, drop off a gift at someone's front door, send a text, or write an old school letter.
We need each other more than ever and I'm so sorry that Arkham won't be a place where that can continue to happen.
Sincerely,
Alan Blackwell
Ps-
Now that the bar is officially closing I have a few things to get off my chest that I feel comfortable sharing publicly. After so many years of odd moments and tough situations I almost don't know where to begin. Let's start with this: bigotry, racism, misogyny, homophobia, and ignorance have no place in our society. Black Lives Matter. Be kind to each other and show each other respect and love. Opposing views are the American way and should always lead to positive and constructive conversations and criticism.
First, I want to remember that one beer delivery guy years and years ago who came into the bar one Friday morning with my order. I was sitting watching Maury (because Maury is the best) at the bar surrounded by a stack of business checks, pens, coffee, and my ordering sheets. The delivery guy asked who was accepting the delivery.
"Me" I said casually.
"No, who's paying me for the beer today," he said.
"Good morning by the way. Im paying you, thats why I'm here right now," I said.
"Well you know you have to pay me today."
I just turn and blatantly stare at the pile of blank checks.
"Well you have to pay me before I leave," he says.
"Thats why I have the check here and ready to pay your company sir. Is that alright with you?"
I give him the check after he unloads the beer and he's starting to leave when he turns to me and says "Who owns this place anyway?"
"I do," I say, frustrated and angry at this point.
"Really?!? Wow," he says.
I glare at him as he leaves.
I sip my coffee and it tastes like ignorance. I hope that guy has continued to meet people that broke his preconceived notions and expectations.
For years and years and years one of Arkham's main attractions was "The Wheel." The wheel was a circular dry erase board separated into pie sections with different prizes in each section. The prizes were varied: a high five from the bartender, a random VHS tape, an off-brand barbie doll, cans of soup, and toys, just to name a few. THERE WERE NEVER ANY ALCOHOL OR ALCOHOL BRANDED PRODUCTS GIVEN AWAY ON THE WHEEL. Before the wheel was installed I did my research to make sure it was completely lawful. I called the Vermont Department of Liquor, asked to speak to a representative, and bombarded the lucky lady with 30 minutes of questions to make sure everything I planned was allowed. She assured me that what I was planning was perfectly legal and even congratulated me on such a clever and unique idea.
Fast forward several years...
The liquor inspector for the state came to the bar for a random compliance sting. After completion she calls me over to ask about the wheel. I explained what it was, how it works, and how I got it approved by the DLC. Everything seemed cool. A short while later I got a call from the liquor inspector asking to speak with me at the bar. We meet while the bar is closed and I'm surprised that she is now with a large and fairly imposing officer. Im told, while being questioned like a suspect, that my wheel is the equivalent of illegal gambling and they were now concerned that I was engaged in other illegal activities as well. She says, "How do customers pay for the wheel? Where does the cash go? Do you put it in a separate envelope? Are you making your bartenders keep it somewhere hidden away?" I say, "No! All money from the wheel is entered as a transaction in the computer. Receipts are given. I pay taxes on every wheel purchase. And its clearly labeled in my computer so the sales can be tracked."
They asked if I had seven years of bar records on the premises. I said of course I do, as its required by law, they're in my office. They demand to see them and go through them all. I agree, take them into the cramped office and let them know that its gonna be awful to dig through the dusty boxes in my dusty office in my dusty basement. They decide to choose a different day to dig through my records, a day that I'll be sure to be able to carry them all up to the bar so they can comfortably sort through them. Great.
So we're leaving the office to get upstairs, but first we have to go through the coal furnace room. It's here that they decide to stop and have the conversation with me. The female inspector let me know that I was definitely going to receive an illegal gambling charge against myself and the business. She says this could be thousands of dollars. The large and imposing officer takes a step towards me with his hands crossed over his chest, he's now within arms reach. I'm shocked by this statement and defend myself by reminding them that I got the entire thing cleared by the Department of Liquor Control and this doesn't seem right. She lets me know that it doesn't matter and unless I have it in writing I have major problems coming my way. I said it was all a mistake and it didn't seem fair or right. She then tells me that its very important that I be cooperative and do I understand that. I swallow my pride and apologize for the confusion, and again I remind them that I was trying to be as transparent as possible, and that of course i want to do everything legally. She assures me that its going to be to my benefit that I continue to cooperate. Then they remind me that fines for this are huge, thousands of dollars and possible closure of the bar. Im upset at this point and ask what I can do to show that I was trying to do everything right.
"Well, I guess that since you're so remorseful and seem sincere we might be able to lower the fines a bit," she says. "I don't know, the folks at the head office might want to make an example of him," the beefcake officer says. "No, he obviously just made a mistake and will never do it again," she says.
Was the mistake that I didnt get everything in writing? Yes, and its a mistake I learned from. I absolutely did everything I thought was necessary in order to be open and legal. I gave my name, the name of my business, and endlessly described the wheel. They then thanked me for being so understanding and cooperative and that it was clear that I was remorseful and won't do it again. They reminded me that it was because I was so nice to them that the fines weren't higher. I would have had major problems if they didn't believe that I was truly regretful they reminded me. They wrote me a ticket with my fine and left.
Is it just me or did the Department of Liquor Control use mob shakedown tactics? Good thing I was polite i guess...it must have all been because I'm tall.
I really loved that wheel.
Thank you, be safe, and much love.
Alan
