Topless car wash has Idaho town foaming with mirth and anger

City tries to draw a law around the curves

Thursday, July 11, 2002

By NICHOLAS K. GERANIOS
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

MOSCOW, Idaho -- Strictly from a financial standpoint, the topless carwash operated by Daisy Mace and her friends is a success. But civic leaders and rival carwash owners are seeing red, and are trying to shut down the sudsy spectacle.

Mace contends that the real problem is the City Council.

"Idaho state law says there is no difference between topless men and topless women," Mace, 22, said this week. "The councilmen are trying to impose their own morals."

Mace and her friends found themselves short of rent money recently and decided to hold a carwash to raise some. Spontaneously, they ripped off their shirts and found it wasn't bad for business.

"Everybody liked it so much we continued," said Mace, a Spokane native whose orange hair and nose ring blended right into the funky downtown scene in this college town.

Five times in the past month, the epidermal entrepreneurs -- including several topless men -- have set up shop on the streets of Moscow with hoses, rags and soap. They don't have set hours, but once they tack up a few "Topless Car Wash" signs, the customers appear.

Patrons are asked only for donations, with most paying from $15 to $20, Mace said. There is a party atmosphere, with barbecue and music.

Moscow, home of the University of Idaho, is a liberal anomaly in staid Idaho. Still, the City Council is hastily trying to enact a law to prevent topless carwashes. The debate bogged down over how much of a breast can be legally uncovered.

Councilwoman Peg Hamlett is also an aerobics instructor and said many of her clients would be in violation of some of the proposals.

The latest one, to be voted on Monday, sets a minimum of covering the areola with a length of material running in a straight but narrow line across the breast, similar to suspenders, Hamlett said.

The issue is deadly serious for Tony Heath, owner of T.C.C. Car Care. His business has dropped by more than $100 a day since the unclad competitors set up shop.

"They have no business license," Heath complained.

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