An Irish Pub in Oakland, California, Forced to Permanently Close Due to Rising Crime
Image: Slainte, a pub in Oakland, California, will close at the end of the month due to crime.
An Irish pub in Oakland, California, known as Slainte, has become the latest casualty of the state’s crime wave. The owner, Jackie Gallanagh, made the heartbreaking announcement on social media that the bar will permanently close its doors at the end of the month. The decision came after a slow summer season, declining business, rising costs of supplies and labor, and an increasing rate of crime in the area.
A Beloved Establishment
Gallanagh, originally from Ireland, opened Slainte in 2017. The pub quickly gained popularity for its “home cooked cuisine” and extensive selection of whiskeys. It even received awards such as East Bay’s Best Irish Pub and Oakland’s Best Cocktails. However, despite its success, the ongoing crime crisis in Oakland has taken its toll on the business.
The Devastating Impact of Crime
Gallanagh managed to keep the pub running during the pandemic but had to face the harsh reality of crime continuing to escalate. This not only affected her bottom line but also discouraged customers from visiting the establishment. Gallanagh expressed her sadness at seeing loyal patrons stay home due to increased crime and recounted instances of broken windows and vandalism in the area.
A Last Chance to Enjoy
As Slainte prepares to close its doors for good, Gallanagh urged customers to take advantage of the remaining days to enjoy classic dishes like fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, chips and curry, and fried Brussels sprouts. The pub still boasts an impressive collection of over 200 Irish whiskeys and promises to serve pints of Guinness until the very end.
The Larger Problem of Crime in California
The closure of Slainte is just one example of the devastating impact that crime has had on businesses in California. Retail giants like Target have been forced to shut down locations due to rampant theft, and numerous other stores and restaurants have been forced to close their doors as well. In a show of solidarity, more than 200 businesses in Oakland recently went on strike for a few hours to protest the city’s crime problem and demand action from local leaders.
A Bittersweet Farewell
Slainte’s website features a message to its loyal customers, expressing gratitude for their support during the pandemic and their kindness and donations. The pub ends its statement with the Irish phrase “Slán go foill,” which means “goodbye for now.” While the closure is undoubtedly a loss for the community, there is hope that someone else with a passion for Irish pubs will pick up the torch and continue Slainte’s legacy.
