fingered for having too much fun? if drinking was playing hockey, you’d be forced to spend some time in the penalty box.

instead, there’s a certain bar, located near the Olympic village, that’s open 24 hours.

it’s not tucked away in a back alley, or behind the cover of Vanoc’s $1 billion security blanket. in fact, Vancouver police are aware of it — The Publican found out about it by overhearing a conversation by VPD officers, at another popular 24 hour establishment.

there’s no secret handshake, no password, no cover charge. they didn’t even increase their prices for the Olympics, or add an auto-gratuity. take that, #2010profiteers.

there’s windows that open on to Second Avenue, and a neon open light. inside, a friendly bartender who’ll tell you, if you ask, that they serve beer until 2:30; and after that, only hard liquor.

rum and coke is his suggestion. as long as it looks like pop, and you have food on the table, it’s a-okay.

inside you’ll find smurfs (Olympics volunteers, for those of you who aren’t in the know), people with Vanoc accreditation hanging from lanyards around their necks; in the VIP room, Olympic athletes.

outside, a sign on the side of the building says the name of the establishment and boasts that they’re open 24 hours from Feb. 11 to March 1.

The Publican isn’t telling you the name of the place, because he doesn’t want it to become too popular. (if you really want to know, you’ll be able to figure it out.) but he’s writing this anyway because he wants it to be remembered.

because soon the Olympics will be over. soon, Vancouver will return to being No-Fun City. soon… well soon, we all have to go back to our humdrum existences, without the prospect of an international, insane, two-week long party to look forward to.

enjoy the remaining week of the Olympics. it’s unlikely they’ll return in our lifetimes — nor will the freedoms and excesses that were permitted because of them.