When NSNSNS Came to Albuquerque

It’s always interesting (in a pathetic sort of way) to explore the origins of the dreaded “No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service” signs.

Here’s an article from the summer of 1977 from Albuquerque.

We know the signs spread as a reaction to hippies from the mid- to late-1960s to the early 1970s. In this case, we find that the New Mexico Restaurant Association started providing signs to them members in 1976, which does seem a bit late.

But here’s the story.

 

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No-no-no signs popular items

Albuquerque restaurant operators bared their souls today and confessed they are not inspired by the sight of naked toes and hairy armpits on their customers. “No shoes, no shirts, no service” proclaim placards posted conspicuously at many restaurants.

The New Mexico Restaurant Association began offering the no-no-no notice to its members a year ago and it’s a highly popular item. Howard Cowper, association executive, said more than 900 have been put in use so far.

“BAREFOOTED customers? Good heavens, no, we wouldn’t think of allowing such a thing in our dining room,” said Al Monte, his voice rising to a squeak at the mere contemplation of the spectacle in his immaculate restaurant, Al Monte’s.

No, No, No | “No shirt, no shoes, no service” says the sign and, unless this shirtless, shoeless would-be diner is an exception, he’ll have to eat barefoot in the park. Albuquerque restaurant operators frown on such casual attire in their dining rooms.

Cafes in the University of New Mexico area have a particular problem with casually attired students.

“We do everything but spread broken glass on the floor to discourage bare feet,” said one waitress working near the campus.

City ordinances do not cover shirtless or shoeless diners, reports the Department of Environmental Health Food Sanitation Division.

BUT THE thought is repugnant to most food service operators. And to most of their customers.

At Pancho’s Mexican Buffet restaurants, where customers go though a serving line, some barefooters “may sneak in,” J. D. Armijo said.

“We can’t see their feet until they’re already in the dining room with their food,” he said. “But, of course, we don’t make a scene about it — we allow them to go on and eat.”

Said one barefooted diner: “I’m just footloose and fancy free, so what’s wrong about eating without shoes?”