A twenty-year-old tradition was interrupted yesterday at the Blue Nile when the annual NOLA Designer Costume Bazaar was closed at 2 PM. The bartender on duty was ticketed for selling retail merchandise without a permit and the owner of the nightclub on Frenchmen Street was issued a summons. Individual vendors, none of who operate retail shops, were asked to show identification.
While it is common knowledge that the city of New Orleans has been having a difficult time collecting sales tax, it seems heavy-handed to go after a tight knit group of local crafters, costume designers and milliners.
Revelers looking for unique items to enhance their Carnival costumes eagerly anticipate the costume bazaar. It appears that this year’s Mardi Gras celebration will be a little less bright.
