Ordinance targets barely-covered baristas

Summary

Snohomish Co. passes ordinances aimed at bikini espresso stands In a unanimous vote, the county created new licensing guidelines and stiffer penalties for violations, but some councilmembers still have concerns.

Story Published: Dec 10, 2009 at 9:18 AM PDT

Story Updated: Dec 10, 2009 at 10:02 AM PDT

Ordinance targets barely-covered baristas
EVERETT -- The Snohomish County Council has passed two new ordinances designed to crack down on risqué coffee stands.

The unanimous vote Wednesday morning creates new licensing guidelines and standards of conduct.

The first ordinance holds not only the barista accountable for lewd conduct, but also the owner of the stand. The other proposal requires stands with scantily clad baristas to get an adult entertainment license.

In addition, the measures make for stiffer penalties for violations.

People in the audience clapped when the measures were passed, but one councilmember said he was worried about enforcement -- especially when budgets are being cut and there just aren't resources to police baristas.

He says he's also worried about a possible court challenge.

These ordinances will likely kick in around the first of the year, but it depends on when Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon actually signs them into law.

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