Hall Reopens With Brew That Is True

MUNICH —  A Munich beer hall that was closed on grounds that it was a “den of thieves,” reopened Friday with computerized beer taps to keep waiters from spiking drinks with knockout drops and robbing customers.

Police closed the 275-year-old Donisl in May, 1984, on evidence from patrons that they suddenly fell asleep in the beer hall and awoke to find themselves penniless.

One waiter and a gang of pickpockets were later convicted of stealing money, jewelry and even the trousers of one victim. Trial judges dubbed the Donisl a “den of thieves.”

The new Donisl has undergone extensive refurbishment, including automated beer-taps controlled by a computer. A sign over the entrance reads: “Saint Lawrence protect this house and keep all who are not honest out.”