Sunday, January 3, 2010
Bye, Bye, Basta
I almost forgot. How could my year end review not include our little go around regarding the Basta Bar and the Barroom Heroes. My opposing view directed toward Weymouth's Licensing Officer was printed in the Ledger. And yes our dear Wahey Boy, Harry, chimed in on the side of Officer King. My how times have changed. It shows that all opinions are welcome here.
Anyway, New Years Day was the Basta Bar's last day in business. No one will shed a tear at its closing except the young rock bands that occasionally were allowed to play there. All the righteous folks out there will no doubt take some parting shots. The truth is that it's all about location, location, location. Basta is located right next to residential homes and having live music and all the partying that goes with it just couldn't be tolerated by the neighbors. Who can blame them. Go less than a couple miles in any direction and you'll find a lounge that serves minors and has their own share of drunkenness yet manage to operate somewhat under the radar. That's because there are no neighbors close enough to be bothered. Every week the Basta Bar operated, there were neighbor complaints to the police.
Several years ago, all the righteous folks got together to prevent a strip club from opening on Route 53 (Washington Street) across from BJ's Wholesale Club. Rich DeLuca, owner of a local property management company, came to the rescue and conveniently bought the building and leased it to the Chinese restaurant now located there. While the police were focusing their attention on whether the bar tenders at Basta were wearing their shirts, an underage drunk threw one of the oriental waiters threw the front glass door. The young man was caught, but because his father is a Hingham policeman it didn't appear to be as important as making sure teenage rockers were getting to bed on time.
Traveling even further back in the "way back machine" that same location was the site of some youthful drunks battling it out in the parking lot until one was stabbed to death. Ironically enough, the nice fellow that did the stabbing, once paroled, tended bar at Shrautiano's, the former owner of the Basta. Us Wahey Boys never forget. Always remember to watch what you wish for.
I recently spoke to a parent of one of the Barroom Heroes and she happily told me that the band is alive and well, practicing more than ever and loving it. She felt everything happens for reason and now laughs at the controversy.
I wonder if Rich's taxes are up to date?
I wonder who will buy the Basta Bar?
Hey Harry, that stripper pole is probably for sale.
POSTED BY STAN on January 3, 2010
Click here to comment on this article.
Comments
Also, a few years back a Weymouth firefighter was arrested for kicking a patron with a "shod" foot outside the chinese restaurant. I agree with you that the Basta seemed to catch alot of grief from the town. There is nicely done over barroom near me that seems to get frequented by one of our at large councilors friends. They seem to be able to park overnight on the street all winter without any problem. Having the right "friends" matters.
Posted by: Linda M. MacDonald | January 3, 2010 02:29 PM