Most of you are probably familiar with this term. Simply stated in the biz refers to a patron
who is no longer welcome in an establishment or a term used as a way to
communicate that an item is out of stock or sold out.
Once again many historical suggestions for how this term
came about. This version brings a smile
to my face…
Let’s go to NYC circa early 1900’s where there was a famous
speakeasy called Chumley’s, located at 86 Bedford Street. During Prohibition,
an entrance through an interior adjoining courtyard was used, as it provided
privacy and discretion for customers. As was a New York tradition, the cops
were on the payroll of the bar and would give a ring to the bar that they were
coming for a raid. The bartender would then give the command "86
everybody!” which meant that everyone should hightail it out the 86 Bedford
entrance because the cops were coming in through the courtyard door.
