With Halloween just a few days away, many State Street bar staffs are bracing for large crowds and possibly some rowdy behavior.
But Brandon Murphy, manager at Hawk's, 425 State St., said his staff is not apprehensive about the weekend.
\We expect it to be a little busier this week,"" he said. ""We're not too nervous about it.""
Hawk's will have almost twice the staff of normal nights to handle the crowds. They will also be more vigilant at the door to check IDs more closely, as many attendants will be in costume. Murphy said the staff will handle the situation by checking the basics.
""Obviously you do the best you can,"" he said. ""You make sure that guys are guys and girls are girls.""
The Pub, 552 State St., is a little closer to the worst damage from Halloweens past. It is across from the University Inn, 441 North Frances St., which sustained extensive window damage and will be converted to the State Street headquarters for the Madison Police Department this year. Cory Patti, a manager at The Pub, said working with the police is essential for a smooth celebration.
""We are doing what we can to help out the police as much as possible,"" he said.
With the glass bottle ban on State Street, Patti said the bar staff will make sure glass containers stay inside.
""We're putting extra staff on that night, making people aware when they come in that they we will be checking them closely to make sure they are not taking any bottles or glasses out of the bar as they leave,"" he said.
Many bar owners will be adding staff to control crowds.
Ian Miller, manager of the Plaza, 319 N. Henry St., said watching the capacity of the bar is essential, and extra personnel is key.
""Having the presence of extra people is the main thing,"" he said, ""because when you see an employee everywhere you go, that's what helps so much with security. Then people know they're not going to get away with as much stuff because someone's going to be on them right away.""
Miller agreed with Murphy, saying checking identification with people in costumes may be an inconvenience for other people in line.
""People are just going to have to accept that it's going to take a little longer to get in,"" Miller said. ""Most people are going to have to take off their masks. We'll just have to check the IDs an extra minute or so.""
Patti said the night should be enjoyable if people are sensible.
""I just hope people use good sense and get through this thing without any real trouble,"" he said.
