Seattle may tighten rules on late-night clubs after shootings
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New safety rules could be coming to after-hours night clubs in Seattle, as the City Council aims to address a string of late-night shootings.
The latest: The most recent shooting that's driving the legislation occurred last month at Capri Bar & Lounge, an after-hours hookah bar in Rainier Beach where police say two people were killed in the parking lot.
- Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes sent a letter to Capri Bar's owner earlier this week declaring the location a "chronic nuisance property," which could be a first step to shutting the business down.
- Owner Ashenafi Masabo told Axios he was talking to his attorney about next steps and declined to comment further.
Catch up quick: The proposal also cites as motivating incidents a 2023 shooting at Rainier Hookah Lounge that killed three people and injured six others, and last year's fatal shooting of Francisco Escatell at a SoDo club.
- Those shootings occurred between roughly 3am and 4:30am.
What's inside: The new safety ordinance, which a City Council committee voted 5-0 on Tuesday to advance, would apply to an estimated 20 to 30 businesses or clubs in Seattle that stay open between 2am and 6am.
- Those late-night lounges would need to have video surveillance and at least two trained security personnel on site during those hours, the measure says.
- Affected businesses would also need to have a valid liquor license and permission from the state Liquor and Cannabis Board to stay open past 2am (even though alcohol sales after 2am wouldn't be allowed).
- Businesses would need to submit written safety plans to the city, and let city officials and police have access to the clubs for inspections.
What they're saying: "This is an emergency situation that is happening right now in our city," Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth said during Tuesday's committee meeting.
- "We just want to continue to make communities safer."
By the numbers: Between Jan. 1 and March 25, Seattle had 17 shootings associated with nightlife, 11 of which occurred between 2am and 6am, the Seattle City Attorney's Office says.
- Those figures don't include the Capri Bar shooting, which was reported March 30.
The fine print: The proposal zeroes in on businesses, nonprofits or private clubs that stay open between 2am and 6am for the primary purposes of "socializing and either smoking or dancing."
- Licensed adult entertainment businesses would be exempt, as would licensed all-ages night clubs, which already must comply with separate rules set by the city.
What's next: The full City Council is expected to consider the measure next week.