Hells Angel revs up shop for 'fans'

A law enforcement officer complains that the notorious group is trying to ingratiate itself to mainstream culture.

Potter, however, makes the offerings sound benign. He compared the merchandise to clothing with professional team logos.

As with the armchair quarterback who buys an Oakland Raiders jacket, it's unlikely anyone sporting Loco 81 merchandise with be mistaken for a genuine Hells Angel, Potter said.

He said shoppers aren't going to find items emblazoned with the Hells Angels emblems - such as the highly recognizable death head. That's trademarked by Hells Angels Enterprises and it remains for members only.

And it's not for sale.

"We will sell, produce, market and distribute items for Hells Angels fans," said Potter, president of the group's Tucson charter.

"That's what we're in business for."

Loco 81, at 51 N. Sixth Ave., is sandwiched between a barbershop and pizzeria across from the Ronstadt Transit Center. It is believed to be the only store of its kind in Arizona.

Right now, a few dozen black T-shirts hang on the pegboard walls of the store, which is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Short-sleeved shirts cost $20, and it's five bucks more for long-sleeved.

Various designs bear such phrases as "Support Your Local 81" and "That's Right Support the Red and White."

The "81" represents the position of the "H" and "A" - the eighth and first letters - in the alphabet. Red and white are the colors of the Hells Angels.

Potter also runs a silversmithing counter in the store where he makes and repairs custom jewelry.

Potter said the store is not a function of the local Hells Angels chapter. But he said sales will be used to help pay for their events, including biker runs and shows.

Carol Carpenter, who runs the Downtown Business Improvement District, noted that Loco 81 was an unexpected addition to the downtown scene.

"We did not recruit them," said Carpenter, who is in charge of the non-profit group the city created to revitalize downtown. "We were just as surprised as anybody when they opened."

Local authorities had little to say about Loco 81 or the Hells Angels.

"We've been made aware of it," said one Tucson police detective who asked not to be named. "We don't really have any concerns at this time."

A counterpart at a state agency, however, cautioned that the Hells Angels are internationally considered outlaws.

"It's just one more thing they're trying to do to mainstream themselves," said the state investigator.

"They're the biggest, baddest and wealthiest motorcycle gang in the world."

He said the Hells Angels - who celebrated their 50th anniversary last year - have embarked on a campaign this decade to improve their public image by sponsoring toy drives, carrying the Olympic torch and hobnobbing with celebrities.

Johnny Gibson, who has run a barbershop next door at 53 N. Sixth Ave. for 50 years, said he's had no problems with his new neighbors.

Well, one problem: They probably won't use Gibson's services much.

"One guy told me he hadn't had a haircut in 15 years," Gibson said. "I told him, 'Yeah, it looks it.' "