Underage individuals who try to circumvent the law with fake I.D.s might want to think twice before planning to attend the annual opening of the Tiki Bar in Solomons. The owners of the popular watering hole announced Thursday, March 27 they will be using state-of-the-art I.D. scanners to screen patrons. The revelation about the I.D. scanners was part of a report the bar owners delivered to the Calvert County Liquor Board at the panel’s monthly meeting.
According to co-owner Terry Clarke, the opening day is April 25—the fourth Friday in April. Normally the bar’s big opening is held on the third Friday of that month but since April 18 is Good Friday this year, the start of Tiki Bar season has been moved back a week.
“It’s going to be a great year,” said Clarke, who explained a tent for additional food vendors will be set up and the “King” will be arriving that day around 4 p.m. accompanied by the Budweiser Clydesdales.
The event, which envelopes much of Solomons Island in a Mardi Gras atmosphere and attracts thousands, will officially start at noon. As always, there will be a heavy police presence. In addition to uniformed local law enforcement, Clarke said his security staff includes military police officers. He added that his entire wait staff is TAMS-certified.
“We do a lot of training in-house,” said Clarke.
In addition to cracking down on drinking-age scofflaws, Clarke said the Tiki Bar has a list of opening day rules. No bottles will be served that day. “If someone has a big purse we reserve the right to look in it,” said Clarke.
The bar will also employ a few policies involving dress. Gang colors will be discouraged and even individuals who show up wearing baseball caps backwards might have a difficult time getting served. “If it’s backwards, that shows an attitude,” said Clarke. He added bar management will be in constant contact with local law enforcement throughout the event.
Captain Steve Jones of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office said the Tiki Bar staff does a good job cleaning up the island once the event is over.
The traditional Designated Driver program will also be employed to encourage safety. Coordinator Richard Hall gave the liquor board an overview of the program, which he hopes to better publicize this year.
Clarke said there will also be a shuttle service available for patrons who are booked at local hotels.
Liquor board alternate Jack Smack commended Clarke and co-owner Pat Donovan for their highly organized opening day strategy.
