SEATTLE — The state’s LGBTQ Caucus is calling the Liquor and Cannabis Board’s recent enforcement inspections at Seattle gay bars unacceptable. Some lawmakers say what happened nearly two weeks ago caused trauma for patrons.
Kevin Kauer, co-owner of Massive, said it didn’t happen at his nightclub, but he received text messages about what was occurring on Jan. 26 and 27.
Patrons say the Joint Enforcement Team (JET), a Seattle enforcement team and Liquor and Cannabis Board officers, were going into bars with flashlights, waiving badges and in some cases, taking photos of people. The officers took note of possible lewd conduct violations over peoples' clothing choices.
"Of course, there was anger in me and anger in a lot of the community, but I also felt like this is going to be positive change,” said Kauer. "We have done everything we can to make everything proper and right and safe are we going to get tackled right at the end by something really benign like someone's shirt off."
What followed was testimony in front of the Liquor and Cannabis Board, calling for swift change, and the board did just that, taking a number of steps including pausing lewd conduct enforcement.
But some lawmakers want more.
"Focus on public safety not outdated morality policing from decades ago,” said Sen. Marko Liias is a part of the state's LGBTQ Caucus. “We shouldn't be overserving people, people who are posing a threat to establishments shouldn't be there, but policing the kind of clothing that people wear in an establishment to me is outdated."
"I think most people felt like was a raid from a different era,” said Senator Jamie Pedersen on Wednesday while arguing for an amendment to a worker protection bill that would repeal the code that board used during its inspections.
Ultimately, the bill passed in the Senate and is moving to the House for a vote.
"Now we see action happening. I think that is really great,” said Kauer. "Things will get better. I am very optimistic about that."
The Liquor and Cannabis Board will consider possible changes to regulations at a meeting Wednesday, Feb. 14.