Council OKs stricter strip-club rules

The City Council narrowly approved a stricter code of conduct for Seattle strip clubs Monday after lengthy debate and a renewed demand for zoning laws outlining where new clubs can locate.

The adopted rules require a 4-foot distance between dancers and customers, brighter lighting, more clothes, tip jars and bans on drapes or doors that shield parts of the club from view.

The ordinance also makes customers as well as entertainers subject to the new rules.

Attorney Gil Levy, who represents Rick's strip club on Lake City Way, said he likely would file a lawsuit challenging the new rules. He said he would withhold additional comment until after the legislation is signed by Mayor Greg Nickels.

Levy did say he was "pleasantly surprised" that even four of the nine council members voted against the ordinance, which he called "oppressive" for businesses.

The legislation is aimed at making the Seattle strip-club business less lucrative and at slowing expansion of clubs in the city. Its approval comes just weeks after a federal judge ruled that the city's 17-year moratorium on allowing new strip clubs was unconstitutional.

Council members who opposed the stricter rules Monday said the city would be better off developing zoning and land-use regulations for clubs instead of trying to manage the businesses.

The ordinance gives Nickels until Jan. 2 to submit land-use regulations for strip clubs to the City Council.

Council members requested those regulations two years ago and were told that it was not a city priority and resources were not available.

"It took a lawsuit before there was any action," Councilman Peter Steinbrueck said.

The new rules go into effect either 180 days after the mayor signs the law or 30 days after the mayor submits proposed zoning rules for club locations, whichever is later.

Steinbrueck voted against the code of conduct, along with Nick Licata, Tom Rasmussen and Jean Godden.

"I believe this legislation intrudes on the affairs of business," Godden said. "We need to refocus our efforts on protecting our communities through appropriate zoning. I believe, if we work with our neighborhoods, we can come up with the right solutions. I would love to see that happen."

Licata unsuccessfully proposed eliminating the 4-foot rule and using a "no touching" rule instead when dancers are mingling with the audience.

"There is a certain sense out there that the city should not be involved in this," Licata said.

He noted that in Oregon, a court recently ruled that the 4- foot rule is unconstitutional. He said it is possible a court in Washington will make the same decision.

He also pushed for better zoning, away from schools, churches or homes.

"Without being prudes, I think we can be prudent," Licata said.

Kelly Meinig, a Seattle resident who has fought for strip-club regulation, said a no-touching rule would be senseless and impossible to enforce.

Meinig told the council, "I would prefer no legislation to poor legislation."

Council members voting in support of the harsher code of conduct were Jan Drago, Richard McIver, Jim Compton, Richard Conlin and David Della.

After the decision, Bob Davis, who filed the lawsuit against the city that ended the moratorium, appeared frustrated.

He said he is about to buy a building south of downtown for a new "gentleman's club, similar to what they have in Dallas," but says the new rules add too many restrictions.

P-I reporter Kathy Mulady can be reached at 206-448-8029 or kathymulady@seattlepi.com.

Soundoff (Read 5 comments)
Tell us what's on your mind.

Add P-I Local headlines to