diff --git a/screenless/bureau/bureau.py b/screenless/bureau/bureau.py
index cba1c08..0a57047 100644
--- a/screenless/bureau/bureau.py
+++ b/screenless/bureau/bureau.py
@@ -166,8 +166,8 @@ class Bureau(object):
         self.load_config()
 
         # setup log file
-        if hasattr(self.config, "debug"):
-            if self.config.debug:
+        if "debug" in self.config:
+            if self.config["debug"]:
                 log_level = logging.DEBUG
             else:
                 log_level = logging.ERROR