Bars reopen with limited hours on two state ferries

Beer and wine have been available at the bars on board the state ferries Matanuska and Kennicott since late May after the amenities were closed seven years ago, reportedly to save money.

The ferry system “has collected feedback on the bar reopening through customer surveys answered by Kennicott and Matanuska passengers — all positive comments,” Sam Dapcevich, Department of Transportation spokesman, said last week.

“I’ve also heard from a few Southeast Alaska residents who are happy to see the bars reopened.”

There is no additional staff expense to reopening the bars, Dapcevich said. “The bars...