Yes, you are reading correctly!  Apparently Axe Throwing Bars are the new trend for social gatherings and yes alcohol. All in the same space. Interesting concept or just plain nuts. Let’s explore shall we!

                                                   Axes Chop Down Trees

I recall when I was younger, my neighbors always using axes to chop down old dead trees. They would scare me to death. The sizes varied, but one thing they had in common, they were sharp as hell. I even know for a fact that we have used them for years to cut down Christmas trees. I’m always careful if I have to carry one. It’s like holding a pair of scissors, sharp end down! So of course, why not throw them at a target in a bar setting. Makes sense to me!

                                                     Darts are So Passe

Back in the Stone Age, darts were a great way to spend the evening passing time in a bar, while throwing liquor down. It became a team game and at times, tournaments were popular. You had those people who couldn’t find the target for nothing, and since darts are lethal in some countries, you made sure you stayed out-of-the-way. Of course, they had no killer concoction in them, but if hit, they hurt. I became pretty good after about 4 beers myself, and wonder, what has happened to such a fun game.

                                                Axe Throwing Bars to Come

The news story which brought this to my attention also gave a list of the cities having these opening up very soon. Some are already in operation, but those getting in on the action will be Baltimore, Boston and Philadelphia, just to name a few. Let’s begin with my hometown shall we….Baltimore.

Already not having the best reputation in the country due to gun violence and such, let us just throw these into the mix. Owners of these establishments tout the safety of this sport under a controlled environment. I suppose so, but competition brings out the best and worst in people. Personally, I’m not sure if I want to be around alcohol and a potentially deadly weapon. Baltimore, I suppose needs to just get into the act to bring patrons back down to areas where people have not wanted to go back to. I get it.

Boston is known for bars and fun, just like the other cities. It is also an interesting mix of all kinds of people. I’ve never been, but have heard that if not for drinking establishments, when it comes down to it, there really is not a lot to do in the evenings, unless you are a big sports fan. Point made, so bring in the tourists from Kansas who may never get to throw an axe at a target.

Philadelphia, as I have stated in earlier posts is my second adopted home. My son went to school there and resides there now with his wife. I love Philly and what it has to offer. There is so much to do and people are very mobile by foot, since everything is within walking distance. Philly is also home to many, many drinking establishments. I’ve been in a few, and have had a great time. You’ve got your sports bars, bowling bars, singing bars, all kinds of bars. So why not throw an axe throwing one into the mix. I see no reason not to, except the obvious, many drunk patrons. However, let me stress again, that these will be done in a controlled environment. Perhaps, but can you really control people who have had an excessive amount of booze.

                                              Axe Throwing Bars…My Opinion

Being someone who enjoys her social drinking status, I for one am honestly on the fence about this one. I’m usually a very decisive person, but this one has me wavering. Bars already have a difficult time just opening with all the licenses and restrictions they face. A gimmick such as axe throwing is definitely something that will catch on, especially among the millennial crowd. A stress reliever, no doubt. Pretend your boss or the co-worker you can’t stand is right in front of you on the target. Who wouldn’t love it?

I suppose my only issue is always going to be that one over zealous patron, who will start swinging it around after tossing down a six-pack or more. That is problematic. Every bar has that one moron, let’s face it. You throw that person out, and who knows what can happen. Not being dramatic folks, just being realistic. People today are more stressed and some don’t know how to deal with it. I fully believe that bar owners who go this route, will take every precaution to make sure patrons are safe. I for one may skip these kind of establishments for now. I will take a wait and see attitude. Give me a dart board, air hockey or better yet a pool table. Axe throwing bars, well, not quite ready for that concept, yet!