Hole left by CJ Barney’s to be filled by Johnny Rotten’s

Many college students who have yet to enter the wonderful world of legal drinking are… Many college students who have yet to enter the wonderful world of legal drinking are finding little to do in Oakland establishments these days.

With the Liquor Control Board cracking down on local Oakland bars and restaurants, the under-21 crowd is left with few nightlife activities in public, Oakland buildings.

But Gus Grekis hopes that, by the end of this semester, underage college students will have a place to hang out with friends and meet new people.

It’s called Johnny Rotten’s, but Grekis says it will be far from bad.

“We run a legit operation, and we’ve been doing it for many years,” said Grekis.

The building at 3909 Forbes Ave. – the former site of CJ Barney’s Bar – will be the home of Oakland’s new 18-and-over club.

With another 18-and-over club in Moon Township, called Club Edge, the owners hope to establish a successful 18-and-over club in Oakland.

Diversified Night Clubs of America is the corporation, of which Grekis is an owner, opening the new establishment on Forbes Avenue.

According to Grekis, they are confident that things will run smoothly, considering the “top notch” security services they will use.

“We’re in 100 percent compliance with [LCB] laws at all times. They know our business practice and they are comfortable with us,” he said.

Those under 21 and over 21 will be in separate areas of the establishment, but they will still have the chance to mingle – though the alcohol will be kept away from those who are underage.

“We want to make it personable, but [the over-21 section] has to be separate, in accordance with LCB laws,” Grekis said.

The cover charge will be $10 the first visit and $7 thereafter, but with that fee comes free drinks. Johnny Rotten’s will offer free beer for those older than 21 years of age, and free soda and snacks for those younger than 21 years.

“The freshmen who are coming in and don’t have a place to go and hang out, they can come here to relax and mingle,” Grekis said. “We want to give back to the kids what we did not have when we were in college at Pitt.”

Johnny Rotten’s organizers hope it will become a social place for gatherings, fundraisers and events for surrounding campuses, including Pitt, Carnegie Mellon University and Carlow College.

From the Greek community and student government organizations, to the band and sporting groups, any group planning a charity function or event is welcome to rent out the building for a night.

“It’s a way for me to give back to the community, and the community wins because those under 21 have a place to go,” Grekis said.

The LCB could not be reached for comment.