Lynnwood bar advertised ‘catch the virus’ show
LYNNWOOD, Wash. - In the past week, a pirate-themed bar in 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.
The employee’s identity is being protected, he said, because of "pretty nasty" online comments, he added.
"We were getting comments that we were trying to infect the public," Hartley said. "Clearly we have no interest in that. People aren’t going to come and drink if they get sick, and we know that."
Hartley said the post stemmed from frustrations over people and bands who are hesitant to turn out due to the pandemic. When bands have been paid some money up front and then back out last-minute, he said, "it’s hard for us to hold them accountable for obvious reasons."
RELATED: Western WA COVID cases trending down, Eastern WA still rising, health officials say
ALSO READ: Local woman’s homemade ‘80s calendar featuring men doing chores goes viral on social media
Get breaking news alerts in the FREE FOX 13 Seattle app. Download for Apple iOS or Android. And sign up for BREAKING NEWS emails delivered straight to your inbox.
Stay connected with FOX 13 News on all platforms:
DOWNLOAD: FOX 13 News and Weather Apps
WATCH: FOX 13 News Live
SUBSCRIBE: FOX 13 on YouTube
DAILY BRIEF: Sign Up For Our Newsletter
FOLLOW: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram