thedrifter
07-23-08, 06:50 AM
Wilmington mayor speaks nationally about marines and bar admittance
Updated: July 22, 2008 04:18 PM
WILMINGTON -- Reports about marines being banned from downtown Wilmington bars is making national headlines.
Fox News anchor Bill Hemmer interviewed Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo as millions of TV viewers around the country learned about a controversial issue involving marines and downtown Wilmington bar owners.
"We had some Navy here in town, and they were trying to go to some nightspots and were turned away. They came back and reported to me what was happening," said Mayor Saffo.
But, it's not just the sailors who have been denied. Marines have also complained they aren't being allowed into several bars and night clubs.
Some bar owners argue large groups, military or not, misbehave and have a potential for violence. They also argue the out-of-towners don't have the required membership cards.
After his interview with Fox News, Saffo told WECT that he hopes the issue doesn't attract too much attention.
"Obviously, as the mayor of this city, we don't want this kind of publicity in regards to our military men and women that are fighting overseas - not being allowed to come into some night spots in the area," said Mayor Saffo.
The general manager at Mugsy's Pub on Second Street said that all bar owners should embrace military members with open arms.
Mayor Saffo will meet with nightclub employees in August, looking for a solution that keeps Wilmington out of an unwanted national spotlight.
Reported by Max Winitz
Ellie
Updated: July 22, 2008 04:18 PM
WILMINGTON -- Reports about marines being banned from downtown Wilmington bars is making national headlines.
Fox News anchor Bill Hemmer interviewed Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo as millions of TV viewers around the country learned about a controversial issue involving marines and downtown Wilmington bar owners.
"We had some Navy here in town, and they were trying to go to some nightspots and were turned away. They came back and reported to me what was happening," said Mayor Saffo.
But, it's not just the sailors who have been denied. Marines have also complained they aren't being allowed into several bars and night clubs.
Some bar owners argue large groups, military or not, misbehave and have a potential for violence. They also argue the out-of-towners don't have the required membership cards.
After his interview with Fox News, Saffo told WECT that he hopes the issue doesn't attract too much attention.
"Obviously, as the mayor of this city, we don't want this kind of publicity in regards to our military men and women that are fighting overseas - not being allowed to come into some night spots in the area," said Mayor Saffo.
The general manager at Mugsy's Pub on Second Street said that all bar owners should embrace military members with open arms.
Mayor Saffo will meet with nightclub employees in August, looking for a solution that keeps Wilmington out of an unwanted national spotlight.
Reported by Max Winitz
Ellie