The JET weekend inspection roster provided to CHS
A group of bars and clubs has issued a “call to action“
A group of Capitol Hill gay bars and clubs are teaming up with neighborhood queer community leaders Dan Savage and Terry Miller in calling for the state’s liquor control board and Seattle Police officials to explain what they say was a weekend crackdown reminiscent of historical harassment of Seattle’s LGBTQ friendly venues.
Ownership at the bars including The Cuff, Queer/Bar, Massive, and The Eagle along with Savage and Miller say that citations issued over weekend over clothing and decency violations at a handful of clubs recorded by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board and so-called Joint Enforcement Team inspectors were targeted.
The group is asking for the community to demand the liquor control board explain its actions.
“None of the venues in our coalition have ever been cited for alcohol or violence related offenses,” the statement from the club owners reads. “Citations were issued based solely on individuals’ clothing choices, such as being shirtless or wearing a jockstrap, which we consider a breach of the power entrusted to JET and the LCB for maintaining public safety.”
“The absence of violence or liquor-related issues in the citations indicates a concerning focus on targeting queer individuals in queer spaces,” they write.
Liquor control board officials met on the situation Monday and say that the enforcement effort “in no way” was targeted because of the LGBTQ affiliations of the venues, a spokesperson told CHS Monday night.
The spokesperson provided a roster of inspected bars and clubs from the weekend to CHS and said that there were “lewd conduct violations” noted to management Friday night at Neighbours and The Cuff, and again Saturday night as inspectors visited The Eagle for a complaint of service to a minor, but no citations for the issue around clothing and nudity were issued. The liquor board says management was notified of the violations and that inspectors “will follow up with licensee.”
According to the spokesperson, the inspection roster for any given weekend is driven by local JET partners including issues identified by Seattle Police and the Seattle Department of Transportation.
The clubs say the actions are a worrying new activity by the liquor board and JET.
“We are issuing this statement to express our concern over recent events targeting gay men. Specifically, unjust raids were conducted by the Joint Enforcement Team (JET) and the Liquor Control Board at several historic gay bars, by extension threat-ening all active LGBTQ nightlife venues,” the group’s statement reads. “Our coalition consists of establishments that provide safe spaces for diverse and marginalized communities to express themselves through love, music, dance, and art. The recent raids have disrupted these operations and undermined trust and security within our community.”
While the gay bar coalition has called for the public to speak up at a Tuesday meeting of the liquor board, the liquor board spokesperson said there is no public comment scheduled for that session. Instead, he suggested interested callers to dial into Wednesday’s regular board meeting to speak their minds.
The representative tells CHS the board is also reaching out to the venues impacted by the weekend inspections and the coalition members who have spoken out against the raids.
Meanwhile, the issues over “lewd conduct” seem to be coming about just as a very different kind of bar is hoping to rise in Seattle and across the state. Washington liquor paperwork shows a handful of nude dance clubs in Seattle have recently applied for licenses to sell beer and booze as the push to legalize alcohol in state strip clubs continues in 2024. Washington is the only state in the union that doesn’t allow its strip clubs to sell alcohol.
UPDATE 1/30/2024: A liquor control board spokesperson said that a recent application activity around a Seattle strip club is still being processed.
“Dreamgirls withdrew their application because they did not meet the requirements for a spirits/beer/wine restaurant,” the spokesperson said. “They very recently reapplied for a nightclub license, and we are starting the licensing process with them.”
The spokesperson said it does not appear that the application had any bearing on the weekend enforcement efforts.
UPDATE x2: In a statement sent widely to Seattle media, the LCB reiterated that it was not targeting the venues because they are queer:
The LCB wishes to assure the LGBTQ+ community that, in no uncertain terms, the agency does not and will not target LGBTQ+ locations. As expressed in the public statement by representatives of several gay bars in Seattle and representatives of Seattle’s LGBTQ+ community, LCB recognizes that these venues are considered “safe spaces for historically marginalized community members” and concerns raised by the visits over the last weekend raised alarm and concern among community members.
The rest of the statement including more details on the inspections is below:
On Saturday Jan. 27, two LCB officers conducted routine premise checks at eight Seattle licensed locations. Of these, two were known LGBTQ+ liquor-licensed locations. Officers reported witnessing one violation involving lewd conduct. At this location, LCB officers spoke to the manager about the lewd conduct rules.
No Notices of Violation Were Issued
When an LCB officer witnesses a violation, it is incumbent upon them to take appropriate action. They do not typically issue a citation on the spot. Officers will discuss the violation with their supervisor, review whether past education has been provided, and ultimately decide if a verbal or written warning is appropriate or whether it should be escalated to an Administrative Violation Notice (AVN). An AVN is an administrative citation that results in a fine for first offenses within a two-year period.That is the process in these instances and as of today no decision has been made. There is no emphasis on patrolling activity at LGBTQ+ establishments or any crackdown on lewd conduct violations. The actions of the weekend were the result of routine work by LCB and other agencies.
Conclusion
The LCB acknowledges the concerns raised in the public statement and the history behind them. The Board and agency staff remain committed to fostering good relations with business owners across all industries we regulate. The LCB has reached out to some signers on the statement to clarify our actions and our intent. We will continue to be available to the club owners and others in the community to further our mutual understanding.
CORRECTION: The materials provide by the liquor board included entries for “lewd conduction” that should have read “lewd conduct.” We have updated our headline and report.
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Should see some of the lewd conduct I’ve seen on 3rd Ave
Or outside Pike St QFC.
Oh no did you two see poor people! So sorry, this must have been so tough on you.
Yes… now is is the time to soapbox some weird anti-homelessness rant.
The LCB. Liquor Control Bigots, another waste of taxpayer dollars. What a joke.
Wait, I thought SPD had staffing issues and didn’t have the resources to respond to like, 911 calls or DV & SA reports. Somehow they have resources to crack down on shirtless guys in gay bars though?
RIGHT?
Could have been opening shots for planned shakedowns but didn’t count on the exposure.
ALLEGED shirtless guys in not so gay anymore bars. I might buy the jockstrap allegation, but the whole thing reeks of Dan Savage trying to be relevant again.
Even the LCB is admitting after the fact that the raids were due to “lewd behavior” laws that are unnecessary any longer. Some of the bars raided were known to have very strict alcohol enforcement. This wasn’t about the alcohol and somebody’s head is going to roll for this.
Not sure why you felt the need to take a dig at Savage. Did he turn you down for a date request?
I heard Dan Savage and many Others speak at the LCB meeting and am very thankful for his activism. Gay bars are ‘inspected aroud 1500% more than straight bars. And that is not a typo. Why? Not because of violence, not because of underage drinking. So unfortunately Dan is very relevant. No reason to take pictures of men in jock straps, no reason to come in with 10 people some in uniform to Inspect, (RAID) a bar. Peole can lose jobs, friends, family…, as a result when pictures become puplic record. After listening to the LCB board meeting yesterday, it is obvious that the inforcement at the LCB and not a surprise the SPD are very homophobic. So thank DAn and all the others for speaking up.
I heard Dan Savage and many Others speak at the LCB meeting and am very thankful for his activism. Gay bars are ‘inspected aroud 1500% more than straight bars. And that is not a typo. Why? Not because of violence, not because of underage drinking. So unfortunately Dan is very relevant. No reason to take pictures of men in jock straps, no reason to come in with 10 people some in uniform to Inspect, (RAID) a bar. Peole can lose jobs, friends, family…, as a result when pictures become puplic record. After listening to the LCB board meeting yesterday, it is obvious that the inforcement at the LCB and not a surprise the SPD are very homophobic. So thank DAn and all the others for speaking up.
Most of the cited venues on the list aren’t even remotely LGBTQ. Seems like Dan Savage and his boyfriend are crying homophobia when there isn’t any strong evidence of it.
I’m a gay man, btw and am sensitive to homophobia. I suspect there may be some overreacting here which may set a bad precedent.
cops going to two gay bars in one night and citing them both for “lewd conduct” doesn’t ring any alarm bells for you? famously the charge cops have used for decades to criminalize and intimidate queer folks and places. if you’re not bothered personally, OK, but to say oh it’s just Dan whining again feels dismissive, especially these days. let’s hope it’s nothing, but the way we find out is by expressing concern.
Of the 15 places enforcement inspected over the weekend, four were gay clubs, two were hookah lounges, one was a college bar, one was a hot dog stand, one was a music venue, one was a dive bar, another one was a bowling alley, another was a bar & grill, one was a roller rink
D.C, most gay men forgot how they used to be treated. I also think it’s hilarious how so many gay men be like “Pls don’t affiliate me with queer..” like sorry but y’all adopted that word in the 80s so it wouldn’t be continued to be weaponized against you during the aids epidemic. History repeats itself because humans have shorter long term memory than a squirrel.
You mean you never got the Seattle citizen ‘victims’ memorandum? If you’re conservative, everything’s the fault of the SCC, Harrell, and Inslee. On the progressive side it’s the fault of Nelson, Harrell, and Bezos. Rinse and repeat. Those in the center who rely on logic and pragmatism are SOL.
Calling the activity a “raid” is hyperbole. It implies that SPD officers were storming the clubs and making arrests, as did happen decades ago. It was simply an inspection, and this is a regular duty of the LCB/JET, both for gay venues and others.
Doesn’t sound like a typical inspection to me. I’ve never ever heard of such an inspection by police officers in any straight spaces, outside of instances with other major factors like violence or imminent threat.
You must not work in any places that sell alcohol. LCB takes their job seriously (maybe too seriously sometimes)…but they’re regularly out and about at night.
I own 2 bars which are straight. (Doesn’t matter to me what they are) and the lcb and police stop by all the time just to make sure we are in compliance with lcb rules and regulations. We welcome their visits as it helps establish a great relationship with the enforcement end of our liquor license. If you are doing something against lcb rules which you agree to follow then it is on you.
Zach, it is normal for the LBC to inspect, usually one or two people, no big deal. But this is not the job of JET, did not require 10 poeple with flash lights… especially if the SPD is understaffed and still on an unofficial work slowdown since CHOP. This is not happening at the straight bars on the hill with the few exceptions of bars that are notorious for violence and more serious infractions. This was most likely SPD showing there homophobia and a FU to another minority community.
Of the 15 places enforcement inspected over the weekend, four were gay clubs, two were hookah lounges, one was a college bar, one was a hot dog stand, one was a music venue, one was a dive bar, another one was a bowling alley, another was a bar & grill, one was a roller rink
Exactly, how many straight bars are there. Let me throw some math at you. As stated at the LCB meeting yesterday, gar bars are inspected at a rate of about 1500% more than straight bars.
It was a raid, the LCB even admitted it yesterday at the board meeting. Gay bars in Washington are ‘inspected at a rate of 1500% more than straight bars. But are not find any more in many cases less for big issues like underage drinking, violence…. Regular inspections don’t have 10 peole come in with flashlights and line up patrons for ‘shame’ photos, that will be available to the public.
JET is supposed to be a organization that cracks down on problem bars, (violence,underage drinking, safety issues…) not used to go after dress code violations.
I think you’re missing the point…try reading the article again.
Uh, there’s very strong evidence of it…
This sounds like a fake post… “I’m gay and I see no problem with this” is a slap in the face. I am ALSO gay/queer and I have a MAJOR PROBLEM with this.
Never said “I see no problem with this”…just questioning whether this is rooted in homophobia. You’re entitled to your opinion and I’m entitled to mine (wild concept, eh?)
I’m a gay man as well and I agree with you, keegles. Something in all this isn’t quite passing the smell test.
Jake I assume you, like me are not worried about losing a job or family because you are gay. Good for us, others not so OK with this and honestly you should not be OK with this. Please listen to the Wednesday LCB meeting. It is a lot worse than I expected.
Where is Joy Hollingsworth in all this? Where is Bruce Herrell in all this? Where’s Adrian Diaz?
The above agenda says that The Cuff was targeted by SPD with no reasons given. Unless we see a swift condemnation from these three politicians, I will believe that these politicians have chosen to let the gay community be targeted in our own gayborhood.
Joy is on it.
She’s responded to the Instagram post linked in the article, and honestly, it’s a breath of fresh air to have an engaged representative for D3!
Joy’s comment:
joyhollings
9h
@seattleiteinorbit this is my private handle. For official engagement with our office joy.hollingsworth@seattle.gov or @cmjoyhollings.. PS. Stay positive thinking, we sent an official letter yesterday and will elevate it on our social media. Thank you and I hope your day is full of smiles and blessings.
The Joint Enforcement Team that led these “inspections” was staffed by SPD and SFD. Both of those departments answer directly to Bruce Harrell.
About all the Council can do is pass laws banning SPD and SFD from taking part in these type of “inspections”. Not sure that will happen with our current “tough on crime” Council though. Harassing disadvantaged people is what “tough on crime” have historically done rather than actually reducing crime.
Well… this is gonna happen! And this does happen, but homophobia is highly questionable. I mean it is one some level inherently, but don’t go marching down the street about it. Plus the developers want that area. They wanted Rplace and turned it into a future condo, they been wanting to develop the cuff once CC’s moved. And cuffs greatest complaint was loud music since they fixed the patio hanky panky problem. Even with the roof over it now, no hanky panky! Weak! Anyways… protect your property and your business.
All part of the plan to degaify and blandify the neighborhood for maximum profit.
Lol the idea of getting rid of gay people to up property values is hilarious.
Why don’t the patrons just wear actual clothes? It’s January.
Sorry, but you’re not special, and the rules do apply to you.
Are you a patron of the bar? Why do you care about what a customer decides to wear when they go out to a venue that you will never even visit? How is it your business?
Grow up, this bar likely isn’t *for* you. The rule is stupid and the board is stupid.
Agreed ❤️❤️❤️ Nobody should be half naked in any bar. KEEP IT CLASSY .Take that mess to the bedroom.
In the wake of things like the City of Seattle trying to build a children’s playground at Denny Blaine Park, the site of “a historically nude and extremely gay beach”, I think vigilance when these kinds of things happen is only prudent.
It’s hardly an innovative and Machiavellian strategy to use non-gay venues as a fig leaf when coming after gay venues. It’s interesting that these enforcement actions are happening when there’s a push for new strip clubs to be able to sell liquor.
Exactly. It’s like the commenters have learned nothing about Republican strategy over the last few years. Basically, what they warned Democrats would do to gun rights, they’ve been doing to civil rights repeatedly. Like how Florida’s Don’t Say Gay law was simply about protecting 3rd graders and kindergartners, until less than a year later they expanded it to apply through high schools. Or like how overturning Roe vs. Wade was about states’ rights until they succeeded and moved quickly to candidates promising Federal bans. It’s what they do every time, and it’s unbelievable that there are so many people here still willing to play along.
I’ve worked for several depts of the state, also government unions, in 25 yrs. LCB is fairly conservative and I think it’s management is becoming more so now.
But they have a boss they listen to. A boss who really needs to listen to people from Capitol Hill & our LGBTQ+ community if he wants his upcoming predecessor to be a Democrat like he is. I recommend bending Gov Inslee’s ear over this. Or else people like my ex-boss from LCB that used to scream “insubordinate” at my teammates for not adhering to their neo-con race & gender norms will barge into a Capitol Hill bar soon and do the same.
We’re not gonna take this.
I don’t see any listed complaints. Joey Burgess is such a thin-skinned whiner that it is hard to take him seriously. Savage has been great about raising issues, but this seems so “sky is falling.” Wearing jockstraps has always been an issue, and CC’s has always made patrons have at least something covering the butt hole, if not to keep their chairs clean than to meet LCB requirements. And for the love of god gentlemen, please look up the definition of “raid”.
Raid – “a hostile or predatory incursion”
Given that we don’t know what was reported exactly, if these laws are being evenly applied, the history of police entering our spaces with ill intent… I would absolutely call this a raid at this point.
They were going into several establishments, and not just gay ones. Hardly hostile. Now if patrons were being harassed and assaulted, I would call it hostile. But being told to cover your butt crack in food/drink venue, is that really harassment?
There are rules that were commonly known for years (butthole rule).
It was a raid. You getting pedantic about the term and dismissive just further damages LGBTQ community. Not a good look.
Yes it was a raid. Why does it take ten people to do this check? Why is this even happening given that JET is supposed to be used for problem bars that have a history of violence, history of selling to minors,…
Why do you think this is such sensitive issue, it is not because gay men are sooo sensitive, it is because of a long horrible homophobic history of state liquir boards and policing.
Here’s the actual state law. https://apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=314-11-050
Some peole are missing key points. Yes there may have been violations of rules created by the liquir board, that has a long history of being homophobic…
The issues are: why JET, these bars are not the problem that JET is supposed to be used for, why does it take 10 peole with flashlights….,
why is this a priority when the SPD claims they are way understaffed and cannot answer or investigate more serious crimes….
I am all for enforcing laws, but how if we are short resourses we focus on something more important.
Lastly, some on here seem very ignorant of LBGT issues involving the police and state liquir boards.
It’s really a joke and a slap in the face to the community that the clowns can go running into bars that aren’t causing problems yet can’t respond to a 911 call for an actual crime because of the staffing excuse.
Has somebody taken it to the Seattle city council, 43rd and other LD representatives and the state AG?
How many hundreds of bars are there in Seattle? And 4-5 of them were gay bars (there have been mixed reports of this activity at Eaglen Massive, Neighbors, Cuff, and Diesel). So 5 out of maybe 20 gay bars in the city were inspected, compared to 10 out of ~670 non-gay bars. That’s an inspection rate >16x higher. When we reflect on the ricin threat against Mad Pub, the attempted arson at Neighbors, the successful arson at Lumberyard, the shots fired into the Renton bar holding drag story time, this reflects a worrying pattern of criminalizing instead of protecting the LGBT community.
The cops are out from under federal watch.
Time to go back to the way things were before George Floyd.
Not setting homicide records in the city? That would be great.
Cops have nothing better to do?
All those folks need to go to Cal Anderson. That’s where the action is.
Damn! Why do I always miss the excitement. It would have been hot to see all of those cops especially at the Cuff. LOL I miss the boot licking. It used to be fun going out before the snowflakes ruined it for the entire f*cking city. “RAID”! LOL
Come on people. It takes a village, people. And wasn’t one of the villagers a hot cop?