WA liquor board suspends ‘lewd conduct’ enforcement after LGBTQ+ bar inspections

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WA liquor board suspends 'lewd conduct' enforcement after LGBTQ+ bar inspections

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/wa-liquor-board-suspends-lewd-conduct-enforcement-after-lgbtq-bar-inspections/

Alexandra Yoon-Hendricks  Feb. 1, 2024

The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board will immediately suspend enforcement of its lewd conduct rule after inspections at Seattle LGBTQ+ nightlife venues last weekend drew sharp criticism from community members.

During two separate inspection sessions the nights of Jan. 26 and Jan. 27, law enforcement officials told managers at three clubs and bars — Neighbours, The Cuff Complex and The Seattle Eagle — that they had observed lewd conduct violations.

Specifically, officers said they saw some customers wearing jockstraps, and in one case, a bartender's exposed nipple, in violation of state regulations for establishments that serve liquor.

Law enforcement agencies and LCB officers did not find any alcohol-related offenses at the LGBTQ+ bars and clubs they inspected.

Many in the LGBTQ+ community were outraged by the nighttime inspections, and drew parallels to police raids historically conducted in gay bars and clubs like the one that sparked the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York City.

"At Wednesday's Board meeting and in many private conversations, we heard strong objections to our actions," Director Will Lukela said in a statement. "The community also stressed the value of these clubs as a safe place for people who often face discrimination, threats, and violence. Message received."