33 of 35 Bars and Restaurants Taking State Patty's Day Cash

Penn State says 33 of 35 licensed bars or restaurants are accepting money from the school to close or not sell alcohol on Saturday, an unofficial drinking holiday known as State Patty's Day.
 
The university last year offered the businesses a flat $5,000 each to not sell liquor. This year, the school offered businesses between $2,500 and $7,500, depending on their occupancy.
 
State Patty's Day began in 2007 when St. Patrick's Day fell on spring break. The holiday no longer coincides with the break, so students now celebrate on the first Saturday of the break, which is March 1.
 
Owner Duke Gastiger tells the Centre Daily Times (http://bit.ly/1cMknIk ) that his Spats "fine dining" restaurant will be open because customers expect to order wine with dinner, though he's accepting $7,500 to close a separate bar he also owns.