Comments on Club Crackdown: The SNMA Responds

One thing that really needs to be pointed out is that these new regulations would make many bars, restaurants and pubs essentially "nightclubs".

This means not only are they subject to costly requirements and upgrades they might not be able to afford, but their "nightclub" license, unlike a liquor license, can be revoked immediately and at any time for any infraction. This gives the city the power to basically shut down a bar at any time for any subjective reason - unlike a liquor license where you have to accrue a certain number of infractions to have your license pulled.

These requirements hogtie business owners, who, by the way Nickels, put liquor tax money into your coffers. Think about that as you try to put them out of business.

The music business alone generates $1.2 billion in economic activity in Seattle per year, and pays over $11 million in taxes to Seattle. That doesn't include the many other late night bars and restaurants who add much more to that figure.

The State of Washington Liquor Board is also trying to create a Nightclub License that is redundant while having some different standards. The Mayor's policy on this is very, very poor. We have no idea why he is ignoring the nightlife and music communities on this one, as he has been supportive in the past. The community is calling out for more enforcement of current laws, especially for people on the street. The Mayor has responded with a crappy license for one type of late night business. How will this help stop the crack dealers on the street at night, or the other crime that's on the increase? How will it stop people who leave bars from being loud and obnoxious? It won't, it will just hurt the City and one of it's best homegrown assets. Let's hope Licata stops this insanity.

Preventing littering? One way to kill that (and it should be killed, dead) would be to have the same unenforcible requirement on any coffeeshop (read Starbucks et al) within city limits. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't see a Sbux cup in the street or associated litter from that establishment flying around.