When Dino Attacks

I stopped in last night. It was Croc's night and he was there serving up the usual intoxicants, less the Jameson, which was OUT OF STOCK! What is that about anyway...Fodder for another post perhaps.

During the course of the night Croc recounted an occurrence from Monday night. He was nursing a couple of wounds that were inflicted by Dino. In his estimation, Croc believes that Dino became angry with him over some statements he made that night. Croc took a punch to the head while scooping some ice behind the bar. When Croc came out from behind the bar, a scuffle ensued and Croc ended up being thrashed against the pool table.


Croc tells me that there were a couple of regs in the bar who saw what transpired.

Let me start with saying that I have always found Dino to be a likable guy. Right up until that switch is tripped. It's that one drink that sets him from fun and likable Dino to "Fuck 'em all" Dino. Most of us have had more than a few laughs with Dino, who is just as likely to poke fun at himself as he is at others. I've heard from more than one person about generous acts that Dino has performed for them. That's the good Dino.

BUT we have also witnessed those occasions where the bar gets thumped, the pool table dropped, and other times where belligerent behavior is exhibited. For me, this most recent incident crosses the line. In the past, I always found a way of dismissing the behavior of the evil twin Mr. Hyde because of the likability of Dr. Jekyll. Not anymore.

Anyone who has spent a couple of nights at the tavern while Croc is tending knows that he is an easy going, good-natured guy who likes to schmooze with his "Mates". I personally have found him to be a man of his word, a guy who doesn't BS, and one helluva boozer! If you ask his co-workers, they would be remiss if they didn't tell you how he has covered shifts for them on short or no notice. He should never be accused of not being a team player.

The point here is that a guy of character, while engaged in the performance of his dutiful employment, was subjected to a physical assault upon his person by a regular patron of the bar. What justification could there be for this? Is this acceptable behavior for 1762 Broadway?

I have this to say:

To Dino - You fucked up pal. And I know that you don't give a fuck but taking a swing at a guy while he is serving beer to thirsty customers won't win you any points with the hometown crowd. You lost me on this one.

To Croc - Don't let your guard down next time.