Getting Tough On Gemmayze

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Lebanese politics

Why would the government, in a particularly difficult time for tourism, shut down 20 pubs in one of Lebanon’s most successful party neighborhoods?

Today, the Minister of Tourism Joe Sarkis moved closer to shutting down 20 pubs and restaurants in the popular Gemmayze neighborhood. The move is odd not only because Lebanon needs all the tourist money it can get, but because this would be a very unpopular move with many Christian youths whose hearts and minds the LF minister seeks for his party. So why is Mr. Sarkis pushing for this seemingly outrageous action?

In two words: “Angry residents“. Gemmayze party-goers often forget that a lot of people, many of them seniors, live in Gemmayze. Those people have become so pissed off with the “hijacking” of their neighborhood -the unbridled partying, the morning vomit, the stifling traffic- that they started taking matters in their own hands. They began by throwing eggs and water buckets from their balconies at party-goers, then they started escalating.

According to the Daily Star:

In recent weeks, Gemmayzeh residents have adopted more formal means of countering the commotion. On Saturday, more than 100 locals blocked the main drag in protest of the “hijacking” of parking spaces, clubs that ignore closing hours, and the racket caused by poor soundproofing or parties that spill out into the streets. Attracting wide media coverage, the protest has increased pressure on entrepreneurs operating in the area to accommodate some of the demands being made by local citizens.

Mr. Sarkis decided to take action by targeting unlawful pubs. By that, he’s placating the residents while establishing a semblance of the rule of law, both politically sound outcomes.

The left-outs can go to the newly-hip Hamra if they wish.

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Discussion

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I’ve just posted about this! I was there, I’ve got some pics here.

I’ve linked to you.

Ta Mustapha.

Sasa.

Posted by Sasa | April 1, 2008, 4:07 pm
Answer to your headline question:

Because for once, the government is doing what the people of the neighbourhood are asking for. And because the clubs in question are breaking the rules/laws.

Law and order, people. Law and order!

Posted by Bad Vilbel | April 1, 2008, 4:40 pm
Which season?

Posted by Vox P. | April 1, 2008, 5:39 pm
L’orient le jour just published the list of pubs that are going to close. There are some pretty big names:
La liste des établissements qui seront fermés

L’Orient Le Jour website:”
Ont été touchés par la décision du ministère du Tourisme les établissements suivants, selon les décrets numéros 116 à 132 datés du 1er avril 2008 : à Gemmayzé, Downstairs, Nectar, Biscuit, Bar Louie, Molly Malones, Topas, Flirtini, Louie Shots, Living Room, Juniper, In Tuition, Rumors, Treesome, Dice et Porto ; à Sin el-Fil, Yaba ; et à Hamra, Ntime Pub and Rest.”

Posted by beiruter | April 2, 2008, 9:06 am
If the list is correct, it makes no sense at all.

Bar Louie / Louie Shots & Molly Malones are about the quietest ones.

The loudest are at the end of the street, with bass-heavy music until after 2 am, like Cloud 9 and Mystique.

This list looks more like it was done by some bar owners who want to kick out the competition.

–MSK*

Posted by MSK | April 2, 2008, 10:31 am
BV,
Sorry to disagree with you. I was there yesterday, and I own a place in Gemayzeh. Yes some places did not have a license, some were serving drinks to underage kids…etc, but some had no infractions whatsoever (and I know of at least three). The ISF came at 10 pm and closed down the bars infront of the customers.
All the pubs in Gemayzeh were rented from the actual inhabitants of Gemayzeh, all those that are complaining so their property value sky rocket. Why did they agree on the plan to make Gemayzeh a pedestrian walkway only accessible to its inhabitants?
If all the pubs in Gemayzeh close this street will become the ghost town it was for a very long time.
Why didn’t the police (present in the street) fine all those places who are making excessive noise, why didn’t ever fine those young thugs who put their hands on their car horns for minutes on end? why didn’t the police stop all those walking on the streets with a drink in their hand totally pissed out of their f…..g skulls?
Please spare me the YES THEY ARE FINALLY APPLYING THE LAW. This is nothing but a vain attempt from the mouhafez Nassif Allouch to extort more money.
Like MSK Said I was at Bar Louie when the police came at 10 to shut him down, the owner was beside himslef. His three places are the least noisy of Gemayzeh and he does not allow anyone under 21 to enter.
On the other hand I have spend the rest of the evening (until 3) in a place in Gemayzeh with no license, no rent contract, nothing in order; and that place remains open.
Screw Allouch
By the way my place did not shut as well.

Posted by Marillionlb | April 2, 2008, 11:20 am
Marillionb,

I do not live there. So I don’t know these things. You must understand that my comment was simply about enforcing the law (based on Mustapha’s original story). Those who are breaking the noise ordinances and so on are the ones that should be shut down, OBVIOUSLY.

Posted by Bad Vilbel | April 2, 2008, 5:45 pm
BV, sorry if I sounded disrespectful. I haven’t had much sleep lately between my day hob and Gemayzeh at night I am lucky to get a couple of hours. The rumor that is circulating today is that they might be more closures to come.
If ever you are back home drop me a line so that I can invite you for diner and drinks.

Posted by Marillionlb | April 2, 2008, 8:04 pm
Marillion,

No apology necessary. You were not disrespectful. I was just clarifying that I made my point earlier in a generic way, without knowing the specifics of what was being enforced. I’m all for law and order and for closing or fining those who operate without a license, or skirt the rules.

If the closures in question are targeting certain establishments who are fully compliant, that’s a whole different story.

I’ll be glad to take you up on that offer when I come back for a visit :)

Posted by Bad Vilbel | April 3, 2008, 7:43 pm
Herecy!!

Posted by Jester | April 4, 2008, 6:48 pm

Hello, my name is Mustapha and I blog in The Beirut Spring about Lebanese society and politics. I started in February 2005 after the killing of P.M. Rafik Hariri.