Cover charge

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A cover charge usually refers to a fee for entry to an establishment. This is often used in connection with a bar or nightclub, typically to "cover" the cost of featured entertainment provided. The term "no cover" or "no cover charge" relays that such establishments allow entry at no cost.

A cover charge can be either explicit ($5 for entry to a club) or implicit (free tickets to a comedy club, with a requirement to buy a certain number of alcoholic beverages while inside).

The couvert or cover charge originated in crowded 1920's speakeasies during Prohibition. By legend, Manhattan saloonkeeper Tex Guinan, was the first to collect a cover charge from patrons.