Teen sensation Miley Cyrus on the nightlife scene
(Credit: Shane Redsar)
Well contrary to popular belief, patrons do light up at Tiki-Ti—and it’s legal. There’s a clause in California's smoking ban that allows owner-operated establishments to permit puffing indoors. For non-owner-operated venues, however, there may be another explanation.
"It’s like running that stop sign when no one’s around, or speeding," says Boardner's owner Tricia La Belle, speaking strictly of other establishments. "You can get away with it until you get caught." La Belle is vigilant about her patrons following the rules; but while some club owners are crossing their fingers and hoping such violations go unnoticed, other laws are catching up.
One nightlife staple that's recently triggered a legal crackdown is the once-ubiquitous ladies' night. Such promotions, which Kool and the Gang insist were only meant to get "the feeling right," are actually an act of discrimination against men (poor things), according to the Unruh Act of 1985, which prohibits arbitrary discrimination. It's been largely ignored in L.A. in the past—until now. Bars and clubs face a minimum $4,000 fine for each violation, and bars such as Nikki's in Venice have caught heat for advertising free champagne for ladies. (Nikki's declined to comment.)
And what about underage celebrities partying at Hollywood clubs? How do they get away with it? The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control would rather they didn’t, but many nightspots use a type 47 license in order to operate as a restaurant rather than a bar. To obtain one, a club like Les Deux needs to prove it's a "bona fide eating place," even if that means only sandwiches or pastries are available. (Les Deux declined to comment.) Strudels as loopholes? If they help avoid the 15-day suspension that could cool down any Hollywood hot spot, you bet your baked goods.
Finally, what about that tight-lipped, muscle-bound bruiser wearing a dark suit and sunglasses at night? He stands between you and your final destination, be it Goa, Element or Opera. He’s the bouncer, and he’s got your back against the wall—in a neat, single-file line.
We asked Main on Main's 23-year-old bouncer, Joey Russo, why club-goers are expected to stay in an orderly queue. For one, it makes keeping a head count easier when the venue is at capacity. “I'm 5-foot-6,” says Russo. “I don’t want guys bum-rushing me.”
Nightclubs are also notorious for keeping lines long to make it look like there’s something worthwhile going on inside, but there are legitimate repercussions for obstructing sidewalks. Police are especially unapologetic on holidays, when lines are long and chaotic, and club owners face fines in the thousands for impeding thoroughfares. Worse yet, clogged sidewalks could be deadly. Russo keeps his sidewalks tidy because, he says, “If it’s late at night, you got drunk drivers and there’s a crowd at the door, a pedestrian has to step off the sidewalk.” If that pedestrian were to get hit by a car, the owner could face a wrongful death lawsuit.
So listen to the bouncer—and try not to get out of line.
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