Staff Editorial: The pros and cons of getting some fresh air

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Posted: 6/2/09

Summer is here and many people are rushing outside for some much needed fresh, crisp air. This longing for the outdoors ultimately doesn't change while customers are at a drinking establishment, and soon Marty's will be joining the Panther Paw as the next bar to build a beer garden.

We have been hearing the rumors for some time about the various changes happening to the taverns in the surrounding areas.

Whether it is one bar closing or a renamed bar opening, it seems as though taverns are some of the few businesses remodeling in the current status of the economy.

One major flaw that we see with the addition of the garden is the noise that it is sure to bring to the area.

Although much of this area contains homes that are occupied by college students, some are owned by other Charleston residents. These residents may often be overlooked or their opinions are outweighed, but the added noise will surely aggravate some citizens, if not all.

Some may feel that this addition to Marty's is only giving young patrons another excuse to drink or even cause trouble, but truthfully it is just business.

In order to be a competitive business, especially a bar in Charleston, an owner must come up with new deals, perks or additions to keep attracting customers.

It seemed as though it was only a matter of time that Marty's would attempt to put in an outside area for patrons to smoke cigarettes, get fresh air or retreat to a place potentially less crowded.

A beer garden also seems logical specifically for Marty's.

Often, Marty's can be seen with an entrance line sprawling from the front doors to the street. Sometimes the line even bends and stretches down the sidewalk. This becomes a more than mild dilemma for patrons that were stepping outside for a wanted break.

The beer garden will hopefully eliminate at least part of this line.

Although some may feel like this outside addition will only create problems, we feel as though the city council was justified in overriding the zoning board's decision on Marty's permit.

Everyone needs a little fresh air in the summer.

The editorial is the majority opinion of The DEN editorial board. Reach the opinions editor at: DENopinions@gmail.com.