Category: alcohol

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Defending Liquor with Machine Guns: The Byron’s Warehouse Story in Oklahoma

Established by Byron Gambulos, Byron’s Liquor Warehouse stands as one of Oklahoma’s largest liquor outlets. This Oklahoma City landmark came into existence in 1959, soon after the state’s legalization of alcohol.

The infancy of the legal alcohol era in Oklahoma was marked by chaos and confusion. “The system was haphazard. Both wholesalers and retailers seemed to operate according to their own rules,” Gambulos explained.

In an era when many retailers attempted to inflate market prices to maximize profits, Gambulos held his ground against such practices. This didn’t sit well with some in the liquor industry, a few with alleged connections to the mafia, who viewed his stance as unwelcome competition.

Tensions escalated to the point where an unidentified individual hurled a homemade bomb into Byron’s Liquor Warehouse, causing damage to a small section of the establishment. Upon a second bombing shortly after, Gambulos decided to take measures to ensure his, his employees’, and his property’s safety.

In response, he erected a rectangular, fortified wooden structure with windows on all sides, essentially a watchtower, atop the business premises. Gambulos, along with a group of his friends that included off-duty police officers and dedicated employees, kept vigil from this tower during the night. They were armed with various weapons, from handguns to shotguns, with Gambulos himself wielding a World War II-era machine gun.

The presence of the watchtower proved effective in deterring further attacks. Threats towards Gambulos and his family gradually decreased, and one of his team members successfully prevented at least one bombing attempt.

a tower atop Byron's liquor store, 1964
A tower atop Byron’s liquor store, 1964
Photo by Oklahoma Historical Society

However, after about a year, officials from Oklahoma’s Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission requested that Gambulos dismantle the tower. Subsequently, some of the individuals suspected to have been involved in the earlier bombings were reportedly apprehended by the police.

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France banned serving alcohol…

France banned serving alcohol with school lunches in 1956, but only for kids under 14. Before the 1950s, French children were not only allowed to drink wine, beer or cider in the canteen, but they were encouraged to do so.

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All These Folks Belong in the Drunk Hall of Fame

You’ve heard of the Football Hall of Fame. And the Baseball Hall of Fame.

But did you know that there’s a Drunk Hall of Fame?

It’s true! It’s a hallowed place where legends like the ones you’re about to meet are honored for their total and complete drunkenness and bad behavior!

And you and I both know there’s no shortage of that these days.

Do you think you have what it takes to be on the same level as these folks?

Let’s take a look at their shenanigans and you can let us know in the comments…

1. That’s what I call a loyal companion.

How cute is that?!?!

2. Don’t do it!

That’s never, ever a good idea.

3. Good thing you made it home.

And that was nice of you to respond…to yourself.

4. Not bad at all.

I think this was time well spent.

5. You’re really killin’ it!

Or something like that…

6. Dad, you have no idea.

He might not be super proud of that one.

7. What did you buy last night?

Looks like a crazy evening!

8. You did it!

No regrets here at all.

Drunk amazon shopping led to a nice surprise from drunk

9. Mom…put down the wine.

I think she’s had enough.

10. Hahahaha. This is amazing.

I wonder if this booty call worked?

Rough night from drunk

11. It’s been a while!

Glad to see that you’re back at it!

12. I wouldn’t be mad either.

Your roommate did a good thing.

Okay, it’s confession time…

What’s the stupidest thing you’ve ever done while you were drunk?

Talk to us in the comments and let us know.

Thanks in advance!

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