No booze before 5 p.m. at Summer Market
The Outdoor Retailer crew is implementing a new “No Booze before 5 p.m.” rule at the 2012 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market. Celebrations can start early, but companies may not serve alcohol until 5.
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There is an appropriate time to imbibe at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, and it’s 5 p.m. on the nose.
At previous Outdoor Retailer markets, happy hours were in full swing by 4 p.m., with music blaring and people drinking — but some were trying to conduct business over the rowdiness. That’s why the Outdoor Retailer staff is implementing a new “No Booze before 5 p.m.” rule at this Summer Market. Fun can start early, it’s just that knocking back a drink or two has to wait until 5 p.m.
“We wanted to honor those exhibitors and buyers particular,” who are still doing business between 4 and 5 p.m., Show Director Kenji Haroutunian told SNEWS. “There’s been a lot of feedback, and we can all afford to take a little extra time to make sure our business is done before imbibing at the show.”
Haroutunian said Summer Market is somewhat of a test run for the new rule, as it’s not officially permanent and applicable to all future shows. It does, however, go hand-in-hand with the noise ordinance Nielsen implemented a few years ago, mandating that companies with music and speakers keep the noise level at 85 decibels or lower.
Show staff also has to abide by the new rule,Haroutunian said, noting that all happy hours in the Zones will start serving alcohol at 5 p.m.
“We’re trying to be responsible as well as participate in the celebration,” Haroutunian said. The staff will see how the implementation of the rule goes and welcomes feedback via Facebook, Twitter and the new Collective Voice section of the Outdoor Retailer website.
–Ana Trujillo
