There has been uproar in Seattle’s gay community over so-called “weekend raids” by Seattle police and the state Liquor and Cannabis Board.
Eighteen bars across Seattle were visited on Friday and Saturday nights. Four of those bars are well-known gay venues.
But most of the anger seems to be directed at the Seattle Police Department’s JET, or Joint Enforcement Team, which joined the state officers at the establishments Friday night.
Many will remember the devastating fire at the Lumberyard nearly three years ago. Well, it has been rebuilt. And Saturday night, the Liquor and Cannabis Board paid an unannounced visit.
And owner Nathan Adams is familiar with visits from agents of the state Liquor and Cannabis Board.
“We were just having a drag show, so,” said Adams, laughing. “No, nobody was violating any laws. No.”
But he said what happened the night before in Seattle is no laughing matter.
“Why would the police come in with liquor control board?” Adams said. “That’s just not right.”