End of an era

Looks like it's almost lights out for the venerable National Press Club. The beleaguered institution, a victim of journalistic temperance, smoking bans and a simple erosion of hard-drinking camaraderie between politicos and the media, announced this week that it was suspending food and beverage services until February 14. By that time, its few remaining patrons will have no doubt moved on to other pastures. In its time, the club has been host to many famous and infamous experiences, notably when former prime minister Pierre Trudeau arrived to haul his wife, Margaret, home and away from the drinking scribes.