I sent an email to Sally J. Clark, Seattle Council-person working on legislation for the city's proposed Nightlife Ordinance. I received a polite, generic response, thanking me for my time. I was also automatically signed up to receive her monthly newsletter. Without my consent. But I read it anyway. Here's what she has to say about this issue that hits to close to home. Scroll to the bottom for other articles regarding nightlife ordinance status.
Quote Sally -
"Neighborhoods & Nightlife
Regrettably, the shooting of a young woman on Western Ave. in Belltown near closing time on July 2 focused attention on the bad things that can come along with Seattle’s great nightlife. We want a nightlife that’s exciting, creative, sustainable, and safe - that’s part of being an attractive place to live, and we must do what we can to support that part of our city.
Almost all bars, dance clubs and live music spots in Seattle run good businesses and their staff are skilled at throwing a party six nights a week (or more) without anyone getting hurt. Almost all. The problem is that every year there seem to be one or two clubs (out of hundreds in Seattle) that either cannot control violence in their establishments or, some critics would say, welcome violent people into their clubs. Police reports show that over the last three years many clubs have at least one fight or assault reported inside. While this is not good, it is hard to blame a club for some jerk’s random bad behavior. Unfortunately, each year one or two clubs in town build a track record of multiple incidents of fighting, assaults, brandishing of weapons and even shootings. Three years ago it was Mr. Lucky’s. In 2005 it was Larry’s and then the Mantra Lounge last year.
The need for dealing effectively with chronic problem establishments is the reason why I support a limited license for larger clubs. It would give the City a tool to force bad actors to clean up their acts or lose their license. The Mayor has a similar proposal that addresses violence, but I think it reaches too far. A club should only lose its license if it allowes multiple acts of violence inside the club within a specified period of time.
If the Council can't embrace a limited nightlife license, then my job is to put together the most effective alternative package possible. I think we have a very good package taking shape, one that will sharpen enforcement tools around noise and serious nuisances, commit more people to enforcement, and bring together bar owners and neighbors to advise the city on an ongoing basis.
Noise – We’ve heard loud and clear in every meeting that noise from clubs is a huge issue for neighborhoods. The goal of addressing club noise should be to help get the business into compliance and solve the problem, not to shut anyone down. That’s why I’m introducing legislation that would penalize clubs for excessive noise after the club has had an opportunity to meet the new noise standards. The City will use a noise meter to determine if clubs are generating more noise than allowed. If so, the club will get one warning. The next incident will cost them $1,000, which could go toward soundproofing. Then all future noise violations would carry a $2,000 ticket each. The idea is to send a clear message that clubs must be responsible for their noise.
Nuisance – Under the proposal we’re considering legal action could be brought against a club for repeated occupancy violations. The overall goal is to help a club run a safe, successful business. Legal action is a last resort after repeated attempts to work with a club.
Enforcement – I support having City staff working at night to enforce the noise code and monitor for other possible infractions. Currently, at night police officers are on the hook for noise calls regarding businesses. This system doesn’t work because officers are – and should be – busy with higher priority calls for help. Sharing noise code enforcement with a civilian team means someone is actually available to respond to a noise complaint and police officers can stay focused on 911 calls.
Nightlife Advisory Board - This board -- made up of citizens, representatives from the music industry and other related experts -- could provide the City with recommendations about how to resolve disputes between clubs and neighbors, support the nightclub industry and curb violence.
Council has worked on this issue for close to five months. My hope is that a package of legislation can be created and reviewed at the next meeting of the Economic Development and Neighborhoods Committee on July 27, 9:30 a.m. We’ll also have a time for public comment at that meeting, in City Hall Council Chambers."
Sally's Web Site:
http://www.seattle.gov/council/clark/
Seattle Nightlife and Music Association:
http://seattlenma.org/
The Stranger's Take:
http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/Content?oid=237676
