[Editor Bob]

Charlie Schumann's photo is currently to be seen on billboard posters around the city. The magazine sold by the homeless, BISS, is using his image in their latest promotion campaign. Schumann's photo appears alongside two homeless BISS sales people. The joke being that he himself looks like a homeless tramp. In actual fact, as owner of Schumann's American Bar, Charlie is the wealthiest and most famous barman in Munich. He also models for Hugo Boss. Yesterday Schumann was quoted in the Süddeutsche Zeitung as saying, "I think it is high time I did something to help out with BISS. After all, for many years the sales people have been coming into my bar to sell copies, and I don't have a problem with that. Everyone is welcome to enter my bar". Oh how generous of him. To enter his bar, did he say? Yes, maybe. But to get served a drink? Well that's a different story.

[img]http://www.toytowngermany.com/munich/charles-schumann-biss.jpg[/img]

Yes it is true, anyone can enter Schumann's bar. He doesn't employ door staff and there is no door policy. Once you're in, however, there is most definitely a pecking order as to who gets served. If you're expecting a table, well, forget it. Unless you're some famous celebrity of course. If you're just an average Joe then the best you can hope for is a bit of standing space in the aisles or by the wall. This isn't an exaggeration. I've heard reports from friends who have been going to Schumann's every single Thursday for 3 years and they *still* don't get offered a table. The technique Schumann uses to filter out the "riff raff" is simple; his staff won't serve you. They won't be rude about it, but they will conscientiously ignore you. Don't bother making a fuss because it won't work. And besides, Charlie is an ex-boxer and probably harder than you. If you find yourself unwelcome you might as well get your (cheap) coat and leave.