have been told by city officials they need to start working with their shirts on. " /> Maine Officials to Bartenders: Cover Up | News | The Advocate
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Maine Officials to Bartenders: Cover Up


MAINE SHIRTLESS BARTENDER X390

Bartenders at a gay bar in Ogunquit, Maine, have been told by city officials they need to start working with their shirts on.

Citing “health hazards,” Code Enforcement Officer Paul Lempicki last week told Mainestreet owner Norm Paquin he needs to cover up his staff — and a set of whiskey bottles visible from the street.

Paquin complied, but patrons of the bar suggest complaints from locals concerned with the town’s image are the real reason for the request.

"I was appalled that the town manager allowed this to happen," resident Harriet Yaffe told the Seacoast Online. "It was brought to his attention a while ago, and he didn't do anything about it. I have no problem with eating outside or having a nice outside bar. I love Ogunquit, and I love the gay men. I have no problems with anyone. I just don't want a tacky town. It's going to become another P-town."

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Reader Comments
  • Name: Casey Sullivan
    Date posted: 7/23/2010 5:44:56 PM
    Hometown: Rye, NH

    Comment:

    SEE UPDATE: http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20100723-NEWS-100729887

  • Name: Dan
    Date posted: 7/23/2010 4:14:52 PM
    Hometown: Boston

    Comment:

    @countryboy. Oqunquit doesn't need gay dollars to remain a very wealthy and desirable community. I think it is nuts that they are making the bartenders put on shirts, nor do I think that being shirtless is going to turn Ogunquit into PTown. Her comment isn't entirely off point however. Ogunquit is the quiter more reserved cousin to P town, both of which I enjoy. I for one wouldn't want to see Ogunquit like Ptown. But Ogunquit does have to realize that the gay dollar is an important one. I remember years back and I believe still that the admirals inn is not allowed to fly a gay pride flag because it is against a town ordinance-that's nuts, as is this ordinance.

  • Name: CountryBoy
    Date posted: 7/23/2010 3:33:11 PM
    Hometown: MO

    Comment:

    She doesn't want another 'P-Town'??... She should talk to the MERCHANTS in P-Town!! The LGBT community is a financial ANNUITY to those people!! I guess she would prefer her town to remain poor and proud; rather than rich and progressive... Her loss.

  • Name: Jerry
    Date posted: 7/23/2010 2:15:51 PM
    Hometown: Washington DC

    Comment:

    P-town is tacky because it's raking in the dollars and o-town isn't.

  • Name: Shane
    Date posted: 7/23/2010 8:22:31 AM
    Hometown: Oceanside

    Comment:

    @ Frank, its not an argument, unless Im missing something lol. Also, if you didnt want your picture to be posted, uhm you write a letter to the editor and the webmaster, you don't go into the posting thread and post that this picuture is pressumably you, unless you WANT attention.

  • Name: Casey Sullivan
    Date posted: 7/23/2010 2:47:10 AM
    Hometown: Rye, NH

    Comment:

    See the full article here: http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20100722-NEWS-7220362

  • Name: robert j ferrisII
    Date posted: 7/22/2010 10:42:00 PM
    Hometown: sherburne

    Comment:

    i've been to the maine street bar several times. my friends and i own property in ogunquit. i like the place, everyone is very friendly!!!! and i don't understand what health issues are at stake? a hair falling off a chest, into a drink filled with alcohol??? please!!! as for the tacky/p-town reference, p-town is more gay, but there isn't alot of difference otherwise

  • Name: Conor Matthews
    Date posted: 7/22/2010 9:24:12 PM
    Hometown: Dundalk, Ireland

    Comment:

    "I love Ogunquit, and I love the gay men." This HAS TO BE on a shirt somewhere. And if not, someone's gonna make a lot of money doing it :D

  • Name: Frank
    Date posted: 7/22/2010 8:38:11 PM
    Hometown: Columbus, OH

    Comment:

    @ Shane. Your argument is weak. All that I asked is that my picture not be used without my permission. Some of us do not want national attention. Perhaps if they choose to run a similar article in the future you can save them the trouble of looking for a stock photo and submit one from your glory days. Peace.

  • Name: Shane
    Date posted: 7/22/2010 7:47:20 PM
    Hometown: Oceanside CA

    Comment:

    @ Frank, I have worked at a bar, but I still like to go and objectify the staff.......which btw you must like since working with your shirt off is most likely not a requirement of the bar staff lol.

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