Rules outlined for bars, nightclubs

Note: This story has been altered. Mayor Greg Nickels' proposed ordinance requiring Seattle bars and clubs to get special licenses does not prohibit Nickels' office from later asking some venues to sign controversial "good neighbor agreements," but the legislation does state that its intent is to "eliminate the need" for such agreements. The original version of this story did not fully explain the proposal's implication.

Seattle bars and nightclubs would be required to obtain special "nightlife" licenses and abide by specific security, litter and noise restrictions under sweeping legislation Mayor Greg Nickels proposed Wednesday.

"We've seen a significant growth in the number of clubs in our neighborhoods. And that helps keep the neighborhoods very vibrant," Nickels said at a news conference. "But it also creates, from time to time, conflicts between the neighbors and people who enjoy our nightlife.

"We want to make sure that there are methods for us to control any problems or mediate any concerns that come up."

City Council President Nick Licata said he liked some of the proposed operating standards, but he was also concerned about the package's broad range. Earlier drafts targeted only clubs with live music or disc jockey performances.

"This breaks new ground," Licata said. "My concern is, are we going to be picking up the local neighborhood pub? I'm not sure that's where we need to go. And, are we going to end up with hundreds of business owners wondering why they're paying $300 a year for a permit when they never did anything wrong."

Licata suggested the city might be better off dealing directly with the city's handful of problem bars.

The City Council won't begin its review of the proposal until next year, Licata said. It's unlikely it would go on to the full council unscathed -- the only question is whether his public safety committee would first make tweaks or a "drastic rewrite," he said.

Earlier drafts of the legislation were considerably more onerous on bars. Also, the final proposal was expanded to include bars and other venues that sell alcohol after 10 p.m. and meet specific crowd capacity standards.

Nickels' office said the new licenses would eliminate the need for the mayor's controversial "good neighbor agreements."

Some club owners complained that they were pressured into signing on to such agreements requiring them to comply with numerous conditions, such as restricting the use of promoters or serving late-night food.

Still, the legislation leaves many questions unanswered, said Tim Hatley, who represents a newly formed industry group, the Seattle Nightlife & Music Association.

Also, clubs have complained for some time that the legislation falls short of earlier promises that the city would pair the rules with increased club resources, such as boosted police services.

"It's not a comprehensive approach," Hatley said. "It's better than it was six months ago but some of the things that they say they would like to do, they could incorporate those into the legislation."

Vafa Ghazi, a member of the Fremont Neighborhood Council who sat on Nickels' advisory nightlife task force, called the proposal "a good first step" for neighborhoods.

"Assuming that this is enforced, I think it would go some distance to addressing the problems that we have," Ghazi said. "I'm not saying it's perfect. I'm just saying it's a compromise."

Still, Ghazi stopped short of saying Nickels conceded too much to the bars. "To me, the fact that we even have such a thing (means) the residents won."

'NIGHTLIFE' PROPOSAL DETAILS

Mayor Greg Nickels' nightlife regulation proposal would require bars and clubs to:

Apply for a special license costing $350 the first year and $300 to renew.

Be responsible for litter and other problems within 50 feet of their premises.

Ensure amplified sound not be "plainly audible" to neighboring residences or businesses, or from public places 75 feet away.

Take "all reasonable measures" to prevent violent criminal activity, revised from an earlier proposal that held them accountable for preventing patrons from bringing in weapons or drugs.

P-I reporter Angela Galloway can be reached at 206-448-8333 or angelagalloway@seattlepi.com.

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