‘Strippers’s Bill of Rights’ includes rollback of state’s lewd conduct liquor rules used to target Capitol Hill gay bars

You will be even more free to enjoy your happy hour mozzarella sticks at The Cuff however you want to. Washington state legislators have responded to outcry from Capitol Hill queer nightlife venues, including changes to liquor board “lewd conduct” rules as they passed a so-called “Strippers’ Bill of Rights.”

The Stranger has details of the bill including labor protections for dancers that includes a major change for Washington that “effectively allows strip clubs to sell alcohol.” The legislation also repeals the lewd conduct code that critics said was being used to target gay bars.

The bill still must pass through the senate. Governor Jay Inslee, who has said he supported the decision to suspend the liquor board rules until changes could be made, must then sign the legislation.

CHS reported here as the Washington Liquor Control Board and Seattle Police Department backed down from lewd conduct enforcement at Capitol Hill area gay bars after protest from ownership at The Cuff, Queer/Bar, Massive, and The Eagle to push back after what they said was an unusual and troubling weekend of enforcement actions from the liquor board inspectors and police responding to reported lewd conduct and liquor rule violations at area venues.

The raids were sparked in part, one SPD official said, over a complaint from an employee at one of the bar who had been fired by the establishment. Police were reported shining flashlights and taking photographs of patrons they believed to be violating the liquor license rules around nudity and sexual activity.

The legislation was one of many priorities discussed by Sen. Jamie Pedersen, Rep. Nicole Macri, and Rep. Frank Chopp as the Democrats met with constituents at this year’s 43rd District Town Hall.

While the new legislation should help bring an end to the outdated enforcement, SPD’s participation in the liquor board inspections is still to be sorted out. CHS reported on SPD officials addressing the issues at recent meeting of its LGBTQ Advisory Council.

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