Ward Councilman Marion Barry rightfully received backlash last spring for his racist comments against local Asian business owners and Filipina nurses.
But what happens when a bar owner uses that offensive language to pay a sort of snarky tribute to the mayor-for-life’s comments? Well, unsurprisingly, the results aren’t much better.
The Pug, an H Street NE bar, offered a drink called “Marion Berry’s Dirty Asian Summer Punch, ” which the owner dubbed “The Ward 8 Special.” Even more, a chalkboard sign advertising the drink says “No tickee, no punchee” beside an Asian caricature.
Mike DeBonis of the Post reports that the Office of Human Rights requested the sign be taken down and the drink removed from the menu because they are “racially offensive” and violate the city’s 1977 Human Rights Act, which bans discrimination on the basis of race, gender and religion.
Why now after all these months?
In a case of interesting timing, DeBonis suggests that it may have something to do with a picture he tweeted of the sign last week.
The bartender, Tony Tomelden, spoke with the Post and although it seems he has complied with the government’s request, it’s clear he doesn't really agree with it. Click here to read the full article. In the meantime, here’s a teaser of what he said.
“Look, I’m a [expletive] bartender, not a constitutional scholar. It’s clearly frustrating, and it is what it is,” he said.
Local
Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
IN OTHER NEWS:
* Paul Ryan to campaign in Virginia Friday
* Arlington is cracking down on food truck regulations
* Emails reveal that Dragas saw little warning of the crisis that lay ahead at UVA after she ousted the president
* D.C. teachers asked to wear red in solidarity with the teachers on strike in Chicago
* Despite resurfacing, a Fenty comeback is unlikely
* Will WMATA get cell service or lose its federal funding
* The latest Kaine ad for the Virginia Senate race features his energy strategy
* D.C.’s chief tax appraiser is embroiled in controversy
