City of Seattle NEWS RELEASE

Gregory J. Nickels, Mayor For Immediate Release July 7, 2005Contact: Regina LaBelle, 206-684-8882 Martin McOmber, 206-684-8358 / cell: 206-423-4541 Mayor Proposes New Rules for Strip ClubsChanges would protect neighborhoods and target illegal behaviorSEATTLE — Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels has proposed overhauling Seattle’s outdated strip club regulations by strengthening the City’s ability to prevent illegal behavior and holding owners and managers accountable for violations inside their clubs.Nickels sent legislation to the City Council this week that would update Seattle’s Adult Entertainment Code for the first time in 17 years. The changes would impose a four-foot rule for “lap dances,” increase lighting inside clubs, and regulate tipping of dancers.The legislation is part of a two-step plan to address strip clubs in Seattle. The City’s Department of Planning and Development is working on proposed zoning changes that would prevent clubs from opening in residential areas and other inappropriate locations. “I don’t want strip clubs opening up in our neighborhoods,” Nickels said. “Unfortunately, that’s exactly what could happen if we don’t act now to address this issue.”Seattle’s Adult Entertainment Code was last revised 1988. Since then, numerous State and Federal court cases have established clear guidelines for preventing illegal behavior inside strip clubs. The proposed legislation would bring Seattle’s regulations in line with other cities in the region, including Tacoma, Bellevue, Everett and Federal Way. Seattle’s code already requires that dancers performing nude to remain on stage and stay at least six feet away from the nearest patron. And neither dancers nor patrons can touch private parts during “lap dances.”- more -Strip Club Regulations, Page TwoThe proposed changes would strengthen the code in several ways:* It would require dancers performing off stage to be clothed and remain at least four feet away from any patron. The current code doesn’t regulate distance.* Manager and operators would be held responsible for any violations of the code. Currently, only dancers are held accountable.* Owners would be required to meet increased lighting standards so that all areas of the club are clearly visible.* Tips for dancers must be placed in a container provided by the club and cannot be given directly to the performer.Violations of the rules could lead to the suspension or revocation of a club’s or a dancer’s license. Clubs that continue to violate the code could be closed as a public nuisance. Police and the City’s Department of Executive Administration would enforce the new regulations.There are currently five strip club licensed in the city, but only four clubs are open. The City has passed annual moratoriums on new licenses since 1990. In May, a Seattle company filed a federal lawsuit challenging the moratorium after the City denied the company a license to open a strip club. The case is pending in Federal District Court. “As a City, we have a clear duty to protect our neighborhoods from activities that aren’t appropriate near homes, schools and churches,” Nickels said. DPD plans to have updated zoning proposals ready by the fall. Get the mayor’s inside view on initiatives to promote transportation, public safety, economic opportunity and healthy communities by signing up for The Nickels Newsletter at www.seattle.gov/mayor/newsletter_signup.htm. ###