Your city’s feedback requested! Adult entertainment bill likely back in 2024

In 2024, AWC expects to see legislation again regarding regulation of adult entertainment establishments. SB 5614 was introduced last session by Sen. Saldaña (D-Seattle) and would have allowed adult entertainment nightclubs to obtain a liquor license, provided additional worker protections, and preempted cities’ ability to regulate much of the activities related to adult entertainment establishments. The bill did not pass in 2023, but legislators have continued to work on the issue with AWC and others during the past few months.

Of note, in the interim, the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) made clear that adult entertainment establishments could obtain a liquor license under current state RCW, though rulemaking would be required.

Critically, SB 5614 would have preempted cities’ ability to adopt laws, rules, ordinances, or regulations that limit or prohibit entertainers from collecting payment from customers, that regulate exposure, or prohibit physical contact with another person that would otherwise be lawful outside of the establishment.

AWC wants to hear from you about what impact such preemption would have on your cities’ ability to regulate adult entertainment nightclubs, and the level of importance to retain the ability to enact such local regulations. Please email Lindsey Hueer, Government Relations Advocate.

See our coverage of the bill from last session

May 21, 2023: General government bills were far ranging in topic and outcome, from advisory votes to adult entertainment (wacities.org)

April 14, 2023: House passes a vehicular pursuits bill with amendments; and a round up of other public safety bills (wacities.org)

March 3, 2023: Adult entertainment bill limiting city regulations passes the Senate (wacities.org)

Read more about existing adult entertainment regulation on MRSC’s webpage.