Midweek PourGate update: What's up with the Health Department these days?

When this photo was published on Facebook, T wrote: "When I look at that photo the first thing that pops into my head is jean shorts. Really. Stop wearing jean shorts." Our reply: "Fashionista smites health fascist. We love it."

In any lengthy struggle against oppression, aggression or subjective "beer is food" interpretations undertaken by soulless bureaucrats in need of curbing, there are periodic lulls.

In American Civil War times, armies seldom fought during winter. Here in New Albany, the summer's weather has been exemplary; it's just that we are paused between processes.

As for the local health board's muddled compromise ruling on temporary food serving permits, costs and motivations, options for higher appeal are being explored.

As for the health department's web site retaliation, it bears repeating what I asked the New Albany city council on Monday evening during non-agenda speaking time: Are there any adults currently serving in county government?

As for potential solutions at the state level, these of course take time. We hoe the row, and search for shoots. We fertilize and water. We drink lots of beer.

(Roger shrugs)

It's business as usual as the research continues. NABC will be pouring "under protest" on Friday evening at the Bicentennial Park concert series, and come September, there'll be a full slate of activities leading up to Harvest Homecoming.

Speaking of which, if you are reading this and know anyone who sells food in boothland during Harvest Homecoming, consider informing them about the health department's new precedent, as expressed during NABC's appeals hearing: Money isn't important to the department, and as fees pertain to alcohol-only "food" events, there no longer is a charge (there shouldn't be permits, either, but we're working on that angle).

Why, then, should vendors of edibles during Harvest Homecoming be paying fees?