Maryland Business

By: Liz Farmer

A story was brought to my attention today that poses an interesting business question. Last Saturday, a family decided to go to Patterson Bowling Center in Baltimore for a fun afternoon out — until they arrived at the lanes and a nice, G-rated afternoon quickly turned X-rated.

Turns out this family happened upon an event put on by the Local Naturists, a group described on its Facebook page as “friends and peers of yours who support wearing less or no clothing in public as the law allows.” These folks are apparently affiliated with the Maryland Area Naturist Association (MARNA).

In other words, it was naked bowling day.

Now, I think I can understand naked bowling NIGHT. But during the day? When kids might be around? I’d assume there were signs warning approaching customers about the event, but I can also understand missing those signs and heading right on in through the doors to a big surprise.

And what about sanitary issues?

I asked the manager of the bowling alley, Charles Mcelhose, about this and he wrote back in an e-mail that the business has two floors and anyone may rent out the second floor for an event, no matter what it is for.

“In the case of a nude party all windows are covered and stairway is blocked off during their party,” he added.

OK. But I think if it at least had been at night there’s less chance that families might have encountered the event. And in my book, what I don’t know doesn’t hurt me. That’s why I don’t ask how they clean the shoes at bowling alleys or how my food is made at fast-food restaurants.

At any rate, here’s the question — was saying yes to this event a bad idea for Patterson Bowling Center? Sure, it turns away families, but I’m sure a gaggle of teenage guys who happened upon the same scene might feel differently …