New regulations developed in collaboration with operators seek to address persistent violence

The City Council today voted 6-0 to approve a new amended ordinance relating to regulation of after-hours nightlife lounges that are open between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. In light of a recent double murder at a nightclub in Rainier Beach and other late-night establishments in Seattle, the new regulations are intended to help address public safety at and around after-hours lounges by establishing uniform safety regulations.

“The after-hours lounge legislation is an overdue measure to protect these businesses, their patrons, and the surrounding neighborhoods,” said Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7), chair of the Public Safety Committee. “I’m proud that we took a collaborative and strategic approach to developing these regulations. I want to thank City Attorney Davison, the Mayor’s Office, and Councilmember Hollingsworth and her wonderful staff for their invaluable contributions in making today’s final vote happen. I also want to recognize former Councilmember Tanya Woo who worked extremely hard to get this initiative off the ground – without her efforts, we may not be crossing the finish line. Ultimately, the violence needs to stop, and we believe these regulations are another crucial step towards fostering a safer environment for everyone in Seattle.”

CB 120956 requires after-hours lounges to be up-to-date on all city and state permits and licenses, to maintain two security guards and have video surveillance, draft a safety plan, and allow entry by police officers during business hours. Officials estimate that the new regulations apply to roughly 20-30 venues throughout the city.

“With the closure of the Capri Lounge, we have eliminated a dangerous hotspot of gun violence,” said City Attorney Ann Davison. “But for the two people senselessly murdered, and for their families, the closure comes too late. We must pass a long-term solution to address establishments known for attracting gun violence. I worked closely with Councilmember Kettle on the after-hours legislation before the Seattle City Council. I believe this tool will address the rise of place-specific gun violence caused by unlicensed venues. This legislation can’t come soon enough for our city and I’m grateful to Council’s swift action which may save lives.”

“Gun violence at after-hours lounges has irreparably damaged too many families in our city, and leaders are unified in our commitment to take action and prevent more senseless violence,” said Mayor Bruce Harrell. “This legislation sets commonsense standards that after-hours establishments must meet to operate, increasing accountability and fostering safer nightlife environments for patrons, employees, and the surrounding community. I’m grateful for the collaboration with the City Council and City Attorney’s Office to get this important safety legislation over the finish line.”

“I am deeply grateful to the Escatell family whose courage in sharing their tragedy has brought a human face to the crisis of after-hours gun violence. I am also grateful to former Councilmember Tanya Woo, Public Safety Chair Kettle, and the City Attorney’s Office for shining a light on the urgent public safety issues tied to unlicensed, after-hour establishments,” said Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth (District 3). “I also want to thank our District 3 businesses, including the GSBA and nightlife stakeholders in Capitol Hill, who’ve shown their support in developing this bill. The reality is that late-night gun violence doesn’t just affect the neighborhoods in which they happen, it ripples across our entire city and undermines responsible business owners who are working hard to build a nightlife scene that is safe, vibrant, and sustainable. We owe it to them, and their patrons, to prioritize public safety to allow our city’s nightlife to thrive.”

Background

Seattle has experienced at least 38 nightlife shootings since last year, including more than a dozen between the hours of 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. Since 2020, Seattle Police have collected more than 800 bullet casings at these incidents, representing 91 different firearms.

The new regulations do not apply to restaurants, licensed adult entertainment establishments, licensed all-ages dance venues, and theater and sports and recreation facilities.    

What’s next

The new ordinance goes into effect 30 days after being signed by the Mayor.

Enforcement will be handled by the Finance and Administrative Services Department, with fines starting at $1,000 for the first violation and quickly escalating to $5,000 after that.

# # #