“Last call for alcohol” (bar saying)
“Last call for alcohol” is what a bartender might announce before closing the bar. It’s not known who said it first.
The saying appears to have been popularized at Joe Sherman’s Garrick Lounge in Chicago, Illinois, by American jazz trumpeter and vocalist Red Allen (1908-1967), who frequently performed there in the 1940s. As printed in the Chicago (IL) Times on March 7, 1945:
“Red Allen, the music maker, warns patrons with this rhythmical ditty: ‘Last call—For alcohol—Good night, yo’ all.’ ... Ten minutes later Sherman runs up and down the bar, shouting, ‘This is POSITIVELY the last call.’”
“You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here” is another bar saying.
Wikipedia: Red Allen
Henry James “Red” Allen (January 7, 1908 – April 17, 1967) was an American jazz trumpeter and vocalist whose style has been claimed to be the first to fully incorporate the innovations of Louis Armstrong.
28 August 1942, The Plaindealer (Kansas City, KS), “Be Spagled Big Times” by Ted Watson, pg. 3, col. 2:
In downtown Chicago tonight and for a lengthy stay, the Garrick Bar has one of the most solid theatrical presentations ever to hit the boards. First of all, the bar is musically “all reet” with Red Allen, his trumpet, and J. C. Higginbotham ruling on sweet, bogus and barrelhouse trombone. Then there’s Billie (“Lady Day” Holiday in fine fettle, inasmuch as songs are concerned.
16 May 1943, Chicago (IL) Sun, “Swing Briefs” by Dixon Gayer, pg. 32, col. 6:
Joe Sherman announces that “Hot Lips” Page will conclude his engagement at the Garrick next week to be followed by Red Allen, Jay C. Higginbotham and their band.
25 July 1943, Chicago (IL) Sunday Tribune, sec. ?, pg. 4, col. 3:
Hepcats have a holiday in the Garrick stage lounge these days with such names as Red Norvo, J. C. Higginbotham, Red Allen, Al Lopez, Lonnie Simmons, and J. C. Murray on the bill.
7 March 1945, Chicago (IL) Times, “Kup’s Column” by Irv Kupcinet, pg. 35, col. 4:
In Joe Sherman’s Garrick Lounge, the midnight curfew is strictly obeyed. At 11:30 PM., Red Allen, the music maker, warns patrons with this rhythmical ditty: “Last call—For alcohol—Good night, yo’ all.” ... Ten minutes later Sherman runs up and down the bar, shouting, “This is POSITIVELY the last call.”
14 March 1945, Variety (Los Angeles, CA), pg, 46, col. 3:
Last Call
Chicago, March 13.
Orientation course for bar hangers-on, designed by Joe Sherman, operator of Randolph Street’s noisiest bistro, the Garrick Lounge, to get them to toss that last drink before curfew with the least possible show of antagonism, consists in having entertainer Ted Allen chant, “Last call—For alcohol—Good night, you-all.”
Sherman then runs up and down the bar, 10 minutes before final all-out signal, shouting, “This is positively the last call!”
3 January 1946, Los Angeles (CA) Sentinel, pg. 4, col. 7 ad:
Last call for Alcohol at 11:45!
(San Pedro Club.—ed.)
OCLC WorldCat record
Last call for alcohol ; Old Paree
Author: Hot Lips Page
Publisher: [United States] : King, [1952]
Edition/Format: Music : 78 rpm : English
3 September 1962, Knoxville (TN) News-Sentinel, “Woods and Waters” by Chambliss Pierce, pg B-7. col. 1:
Between “getting moody with Hude” and “last call for alcohol”, it was surprising that the Cincinnati spectators even know who’s on top.
OCLC WorldCat record
Crawfishin’ Rocket in my pocket. Last call for alcohol… [etc.]
Author: Sixty Minute Men !!!.
Publisher: France : Buzzed records, [1979]
Edition/Format: Music : 45 rpm : English
OCLC WorldCat record
Last call for alcohol : healing a marriage harmed by alcohol abuse
Author: Susan Erling Martinez
Publisher: Edina, Minn. : Tjsusan.com, 2001.
Edition/Format: Print book : Biography : English
Genius (song lyrics)
Closing Time
Semisonic
Produced by Nick Launay
Album Feeling Strangely Fine (1998)
[Verse 1]
Closing time
Open all the doors and let you out into the world
Closing time
Turn all of the lights on over every boy and every girl
Closing time
One last call for alcohol so finish your whiskey or beer
Closing time
You don’t have to go home but you can’t stay here
YouTube
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Hardcore Superstar - Last Call For Alcohol (LIVE)
GAIN
Published on Jan 30, 2014
Hardcore Superstar - Last Call For Alcohol (LIVE)
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@randumichel
Closing time, one last call for alcohol
11:41 PM · Aug 18, 2019·Twitter for iPhone