Proposed Regulations To Restrict Local Bars

After 14 years of fame as the best known drink in Harvard Square, the Hong Kong lounge's popular scorpion bowl may be doomed to legend if Gov. Michael S. Dukakis next week signs a proposal intended to reduce drunk driving accidents.

The proposed regulation, which appears likely to gain approval, would specifically outlaw happy hours, discount prices, drinking contests that offer alcohol as a prize, and drinks larger than 16 ounces.

The new rule would ban the 30-ounce scorpion bowl as well as other local drinking traditions, including pitcher night at the Bow and Arrow and happy hours at Chi Chi's and Jonathan Swift's.

The state Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission is reviewing the proposal this week in light of specific objections raised by bar owners at an October 25 public hearing, but Dukakis has already endorsed the measure.

Commission Chairman George R. McCarthy said he expects Dukakis to sign the regulation next week. It would likely take effect this month, he added.

Harvard Square bar managers interviewed yesterday agreed that the regulation would increase profits by reducing price competition.

With the elimination of the traditional drawing cards, many local bars plan to introduce new promotional gimmicks.

The Hong Kong is currently concocting a new drink dubbed "Son of Bowl," a 16-ounce potion that will replace the original favorite, said William Lee, the restaurant's general manager.

Because the proposed regulation prohibits bars from awarding alcoholic prizes, members of the Kong's 69 Beer Club will no longer receive a free drink after savoring a total of 69 different brews within three months.

Lee said he was nevertheless confident the Kong would continue to thrive.

"Everybody's heard of the Hong Kong. We are the best organized and the best run--all this will do is make us better."

Picadilly Filly manager William P. Love said he plans to woo happy hour customers with new hors d'oeuvres like chicken wings, cheese, and crackers. Love added that he was also considering installing a sandwich grill.

At Jonathan Swift's, an expanded entertainment program featuring music videos will replace the traditional happy hour, noted bar manager James Roach.

Meanwhile, the Filly's weekly rugby nights will no longer feature Long Island Iced Teas at the cut-rate of $1.75.

But the price increase probably won't reduce the loyal student crowd, said Jennifer M. Perini '85, president of the women's rugby club.