Washington bar loses staff, bands, customers after advertising ‘catch the virus’ show – By The Associated Press (Oregonian/Oregonlive) / January 29, 2022
LYNNWOOD, Wash. — In the past week, a pirate-themed bar in the Seattle suburb of Lynnwood has lost staff, bands and other customers — over a show with advertised discounted prices for people sick with COVID-19.
The Vessel Taphouse posted on Facebook on Friday, Jan. 21, that people should, “Come see the show, maybe catch the virus or just stay home and whine,” The Daily Herald reported.
The post also said people could enter the bar for a discounted rate with proof of omicron positive test. Owner Steve Hartley said four employees quit and three bands refused to play another show that weekend. Hartley told the newspaper the post was “an ill-advised attempt at humor,” and the responsible employee has been fired.
