It was a historic occasion at Atomic Liquors, as Las Vegas’ oldest free-standing bar turned 70. Last weekend, the spry septuagenarian – which has made it through seven topsy-turvy decades – welcomed crowds of well-wishing locals and tourists.

Tavern license No. 00001

Atomic Liquors has been a fixture on East Fremont Street since original owners – the late Stella and Joe Sobchik – opened in 1952, according to company records. They were already operating a cafe, which they transformed into a liquor store. Then they purchased a “pouring” license from a defunct hotel lounge. The result? Atomic Liquors became the first tavern in town, a place where hard drinks could be poured and sold beyond the confines of hotel-casinos under a distinctive license: No. 00001.