Strange Doings at Lord Hobo

Bar and restaurant Lord Hobo, which is planning to open in the former B-Side space, has run into some troubles, reports the Herald. It seems that the Cambridge Licensing Commission is trying to minimize the number of bars in the city: “At a March hearing, Chairman Richard Scali noted that Cambridge has grandfathered “so-called barrooms” already in operation, “but little by little” has been eliminating them. Its policy, rather, is that “alcohol should be an accessory to food.”” Chilling words for Cambridge barflys!

Despite the fact that Lord Hobo plans to serve food (overseen by Teatro’s Matt Bailey), owner Daniel Lanigan has been forced to jump through some pretty ridiculous hoops, including a requirement that he submit receipts to the city each month proving that 65% of his revenue comes from food sales. Unsurprisingly, there’s no word on an opening date - the Licensing Commission minutes indicate that Lanigan plans to put $50,000 into pre-opening renovations.

Also in today’s Turning the Tables column: Icarus, which has been up for sale for months, will close soon.

B-Side Woes Hobble Lord Hobo Opening [Herald]

Strange Doings at Lord Hobo