Franklin Street bar He’s Not Here hosted its last two 18 and up events over the weekend before deciding the liability was too great to continue, which could mean a loss of thousands of dollars for charities that use the venue by charging a cover to raise money.
“No proceeds from any patrons under the age of 21 were coming to us,” said He’s Not general manager Fleming Fuller . “It was just to help worthy causes raise more money based on the venue aspect of what we do.”
After a He’s Not bartender was issued a citation for serving a minor on March 21, Fuller said the liability of 18 and up nights became too much and he decided to end that aspect of the bar’s business.
“It’s truly unfortunate because that’s going to take thousands of dollars away from charitable organizations,” he said. “Last year, we donated over $45,000 to charities. It really hurts me, to be honest. We were just trying to do something good for the community.”
Fuller said the bar hosts about 15 to 20 events per semester for charitable organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Relay for Life, Children’s Miracle Network and Orange County Rape Crisis Center.
They will continue to host the events but only for patrons 21 or older. Fuller said he does not think it will affect the bar’s business, but it will take away about $1,000 of profit from charities for each event and also limit the outreach of their messages.
“You don’t have to be 21 years old to face sexual abuse,” Fuller said. “When you’re promoting the Orange County Rape Crisis Center, the whole point of that event is to get outreach and spread the message. There is no age on the issue. We just can’t continue to support those events like we have in the past.”
Sophomore Kaitlyn Coppadge , 20, said she thinks having 21 and up nights will only encourage more students to use fake IDs.
