E. Pike’s Hunter Gatherer Lodge will soon be the first official nightclub on Capitol Hill if its application process for a new type of state license goes smoothly. Washington State entertainment venues have a new option for their business plans thanks to a nightclub license issued by the Washington State Liquor Control Board (WSLCB). Now, Capitol Hill bars can choose to focus on the booze and music and forget about the food as long as they have state approval — and are in good graces with the City of Seattle.

“[A nightclub] license gives us more flexibility,” said Marcus Lalario, owner of Hunter Gatherer Lodge. “We don’t have to serve food or be open on certain days or times during the week.”

The bar has sent in the paperwork, and is waiting for approval, Lalario said, which can take 30 days after submission, according to the state.

“I think [the nightclub license] is generally a good thing,” said David Meinert, owner of the 5 Point Cafe, Capitol Hill Block Party planner and overall nightlife heavy hitter. “The potentially negative part is that it lets local governments make rules around nightclub licenses that weren’t allowed prior. That’s an OK thing as long as the City Attorney is working with nightclub life and venues to make good rules that are healthy for the community and businesses.”

Typically, a bar holds a spirits, beer and wine license, and must serve food as part of the requirements for approval. With a nightclub license, the establishment identifies itself as solely a provider of “live entertainment” and alcohol, with primary business hours between 9 PM and 2 AM. Both licenses must be renewed annually. Retailers in Washington have been able to apply for this WSLCB license since July of 2009, but currently, only two venues in Seattle have it – the See Sound Lounge and Juju — owned by a Meinert business partner — in Belltown. In fact, only 10 venues in Washington State are currently considered “nightclubs” by the WSLCB.

“The name of the license is unfortunate. It’s not for nightclubs in particular. It’s for places that serve liquor that don’t necessarily serve food,” said Meinert. “Lots of bars that serve liquor use fake kitchens. The [license was] made for those types of places so they don’t have to serve food anymore.”

While a licensed nightclub can be cheaper to operate than a spirits/beer/wine license, it could mean tighter reins on the businesses from the city.

“The provision for allowing local governments to request added restrictions is a new concept and is intended to address specific public safety concerns that may be unique to certain jurisdictions,” said WSLCB spokesperson Brian Smith.

In Seattle, these “unique” “public safety concerns” are covered by contracts called Good Neighbor Agreements. The agreements tend to be based on a template that shifts from administration to administration and sometimes include unique elements specific to a particular business’s siutation. GNA contracts for spirits/wine/beer licenses under past City Attorneys have included rules on everything from what the bouncers could wear to prohibiting dancing or DJs. Pete Holmes, Seattle’s newly elected City Attorney, has promised to work closer with businesses to find solutions to problems and review GNA contracts.

“The law allows the city to request public safety conditions in situations where there are issues but we haven’t heard of any problems yet,” said Bob Scales, spokesperson for the City Attorney’s Office.

One issue for HG Lodge might be somewhat out of its control. CHS has reported on two assaults — one violent beating in April and last week’s fight involving a pistol — occurring on the street outside the club since it opened its doors in April. UPDATE: Lalario tells SeattleCrime that last week’s incident “had nothing to do with [his] club.”

When asked what kind of problems might call for further review of the details of a nightclub license, Smith from the liquor control board said the responsibility fell on the city to bring issues to the liquor control board’s attention.

“This provision is really about local input,” said Smith. “The Board does not have authority to include restrictions unless requested by the local authority.”

Meinert raised concerns about the idea of more local government control over nightlife, and pointed to former City Attorneys and anti-nightlife legislation that has kept Seattle under wraps for the last few decades.

“I think it needs to be watched carefully, especially by the press,” said Meiner. “It has potential for abuse and points to a bigger issue – the liquor laws are antiquated. They were written in 1933 around the end of prohibition. Instead of an overall revamp, we keep adding and changing little parts of it. The system needs a complete revamp. It would be great if someone could take that on.”

Back at HG Lodge, Lalario is looking forward to getting the process over with and getting his nightclub license. HG currently sells some food, and Lalario is open to more food service in the future — maybe. But for now, HG Lodge is ready to simply host a great party.