SEATTLE — After multiple high-profile incidents, including deadly shootings, Seattle City Council is expected to consider new legislation that would expand the regulation of after-hours bars and clubs.
Bob Kettle, the chair of the safety committee, will sponsor the legislation that will be introduced in the Governance, Accountability & Economic Development committee, which has oversight of small business policies and procedures.
He said it allows the city to focus more on regulations and licensure requirements, as opposed to pushing the legislation through as a public safety bill.
"We have this period of time between 2-5 a.m. where bad things have happened, partly because there is no regulation for it," Kettle told KING 5. "They've kind of gone ad-hoc and it's created the problems. They don't do the security pieces, for example. They don't do that type of oversight. This is where, unfortunately, we end up with people being shot and killed."
Shortly before 4 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, Seattle police say five people were shot in the Chinatown-International District near a hookah lounge. Detectives said shell casings were found inside and outside of the establishment.
In August of 2023, three people were killed and several others were injured in a shooting at a Mount Baker hookah lounge.
Kettle's draft proposal requires any business or private club that remains open between 2-5 a.m. for the purpose of "socializing, smoking, or dancing" to apply for a new license for a $250 fee.
The same criminal history standards used in determining licensure by the state Liquor and Cannabis Board would be applied to those applying for after-hours permits in Seattle, according to the proposal Kettle's staff shared with KING 5.
The plan calls for the following safety guidelines:
- Nobody under 21 years of age allowed.
- Alcohol may not be sold, supplied or allowed on public premises between 2-5 a.m.
- At least two security officers on site, with specialized training approved by the Seattle Police Department.
- Security must attempt to prevent weapons from entering clubs.
- Video surveillance required at all entrances and exits.
- Law enforcement and city inspectors granted access during business hours.
The draft version of the plan also allows the city to revoke a license if the establishment has had a single shooting or homicide on its premises.
Other safety incidents could also lead to revocation.
Violators would be fined $1,000 for a first offense. Second and subsequent violations would result in misdemeanor charges.
"If we look away, it's like we permit it [to happen]… One of the biggest challenges in our city is the permissive environment," said Kettle "People are getting killed, families are losing loved ones. We have to do this [and] we have to do this right."
Kettle expects to introduce the legislation in January.