Coordinate enforcement to stem nightlife violence

This editorial was published in The Seattle Times.

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As the number of gunfire incidents increases at after-hours nightclubs in Seattle, it’s time for the city and state to collaborate to shut down any sources of violence that lead to senseless deaths. That means stepping up enforcement of liquor laws and any other ordinances too many late-night party hosts seem to thumb their noses at.

The problem is serious. There were 10 nightlife shootings in 2021; 27 in 2022; 36 in 2023; and 38 already so far this year. Records show that 11% of August shootings in Seattle were nightlife related.

A few common denominators factored into many of the shootings. Of the 38 shootings this year, 15 occurred between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. Most involve people younger than age 35. Few have resulted in arrests. Most have left families seeking answers as they mourn the loss of life.

The nightspots operate in what is considered a gray area. They aren’t the traditional bars where football fans go on the weekends to munch on wings and down beer. Those types of bars have liquor licenses issued by the state and activity there is regulated. That’s what after-hours clubs need, if they plan to exist at all.

The Seattle City Attorney’s office and the City Council, along with the Seattle Police Department should work together to create a regulatory permit process for after-hours clubs to operate legally and safely. Such establishments should have to adhere to fire codes for capacity limits and emergency exits, clearly stated bans on alcohol sales, have set hours of operation, age restrictions and security requirements.

The city attorney’s office said it is widely believed that some of the clubs sell alcohol after 2 a.m. without a liquor license as a way to draw patrons to the clubs. The Liquor and Cannabis Board said its job is to regulate businesses that have liquor licenses. Whether it’s the liquor board or SPD who should be enforcing the law, selling alcohol without a license after 2 a.m. at a nightlife establishment is a recipe for problems.

Some clubs have gotten around the state ban on smoking by declaring the clubs “private” in order to operate as hookah lounges. The days of looking the other way for fear of offending should be over. City and state liquor and cannabis officials have a responsibility to the entire public.

With dozens of shootings — fatal and nonfatal — each year, turning a blind eye to a deadly problem is the most offensive action of all.

TNS