SEATTLE — Bar owners and community members celebrated Friday news that the Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) would pause "lewd conduct" enforcement and take several other measures following outrage after inspections at several LGBTQ+ venues.
According to a news release from LCB, leaders recognized that they understand "the value of these clubs as a safe place for people who often face discrimination, threats, and violence" and will immediately pause "lewd conduct enforcement." The LCB will also halt participation with Seattle's Joint Enforcement Team, which includes the Seattle Police Department, confirm that no violations will be issued in regards to the weekend in question and consider future changes both as a board and in conjunction with lawmakers.
"It feels like an absolute victory. I know it's not over, but I'm so happy they took the steps they did this week. They acted quickly, they put out the statement, they spoke with me individually, wonderfully, openly," Massive co-owner Kevin Kauer said. "There are people on the board who are allies. [I feel] absolutely heard, and I was really happy when I saw the first meeting on Tuesday to see they dove right into it and to see their stance on it; I was like, 'Oh, I think we're actually gonna do it this time.'"
Kauer has been part of the Seattle nightlife scene for more than a decade and says he has dealt with related incidents in the past. Massive recently opened in a historic space in Capitol Hill and when Kauer received a text about enforcement officers at nearby venues, he was worried.
"Technically, because the rules are so old and so nebulous, maybe we're not following them, so, are we going to get shut down today? Are we going to lose customers? What's going to happen?" Kauer said.
He says while enforcement of the "lewd conduct" rules is suspended, venues will still have the right to set codes of conduct and ensure their patrons feel respected and safe.
"Every business can have its own varying limits, its code of conduct, its dress code, and it's up to them to uphold that and that I think is really, really really paramount," Kauer said. "And most of that is based around respect [and] consent."
LCB will decide on Feb. 14 whether to take up the request, with members indicating they do plan to do so.