8 St. Paul Bars Offer 'Any Beer, Any Time' To Furloughed Workers

ST. PAUL (WCCO) -- As the government shutdown enters day 15 with some progress on a deal, eight bars and restaurants in St. Paul are doing what they can to help furloughed employees. And what better way to help out than with free beer?

The promotion, which started as a free domestic beer between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Tuesdays, has expanded to any beer, any time on Tuesday, Oct. 15.

All that's required is that employees show a valid federal government ID.

The bars participating include Alary's Bar, Bennett's Chop and Railhouse, Burger Moe's, Cherokee Tavern, Eagle Street Grille, The Liffey, American Burger Bar and Tom Reid's Hockey City Pub.

All have agreed to keep the promotion until the shutdown is resolved.

"It's the least we can do for those people struggling with this shutdown," said Dallas Rogers, manager of Burger Moe's on W. 7th. "Almost like comfort food -- come in have a beer, a burger and forget about (the shutdown) for a little while."

Dozens of furloughed workers came into Burger Moe's last Tuesday, though many were unaware of the promotion until they were told about it.

"To see that instant gratification on their face is cool, when they realize we're doing this for them," Rogers said. "I think they really appreciate it."

The deal started with an idea from the city's convention and visitors' bureau, Visit St. Paul.

Roughly 19,000 employees in Minnesota are affected by the government shutdown.