WHEREAS, a well-planned and managed nightlife can have a profound positive impact on a local economy, generating direct tax revenues, and growing public funds through increased property value, revitalized business districts, and increased tourism; and

WHEREAS, Washington's post-Prohibition approach to liquor service, with its state-wide uniform 2:00 a.m. closing time, is increasingly at odds with urban economies, lifestyles and general values associated with drinking and entertainment; and

WHEREAS, at least 15 states across the country delegate completely or partially authority for setting service hours to local jurisdictions or allow local jurisdictions to extend hours of service subject to state approval; and

WHEREAS, allowing local jurisdictions to modify closing times can lead to better allocation of public resources, provide a more uniform flow of patrons from venues, spread nightlife-related demand for taxi service, and reduce the concentration of crowds; and

WHEREAS, modified closing times can improve quality of life in local jurisdictions by mitigating public safety and nuisance issues associated with the uniform 2 a.m. "pushout"; and

WHEREAS, local jurisdictions can better maximize benefits and minimize risks of flexible service hours by reviewing the successes and failures of other jurisdictions, and identifying and tailoring best practices for use in the local jurisdiction; and

WHEREAS, this effort is a critical component of the broader Seattle Nightlife Initiative, which was launched in July, 2010 as a full suite of eight actions that together provide a comprehensive, balanced approach to managing the city's nighttime economy; and

WHEREAS, this effort can only be realized with the approval of the Washington State Liquor Control Board;

WHEREAS, the Executive will work with the City Council and the Liquor Control Board to develop rules necessary to implement an extended hours policy,

NOW THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEATTLE, THE MAYOR CONCURRING, THAT:

Section 1. The City of Seattle requests that the Washington State Liquor Control Board modify existing WAC 31411-070, which strictly prohibits service of any alcohol between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., and establish new rules allowing local authorities to petition to establish extended hours service areas within their jurisdictions.

Section 2. The City of Seattle will work collaboratively with the Washington State Liquor Control Board, other local jurisdictions, and other police and law enforcement authorities to: 1) research the experience of other jurisdictions that have authorized extended service hours, 2) review the proposed changes to WAC 314-11-170, and 3) identify policing and regulatory strategies that would lead to safe and successful implementation of extended hour service areas.

Adopted by the City Council the ____ day of ____________________, 2011, and signed by me in open session in authentication of its adoption this________ day

of ______________________, 2011.

_________________________________

President ___________of the City Council

THE MAYOR CONCURRING:

_________________________________

Michael McGinn, Mayor

Filed by me this ____ day of ________________________, 2011.

____________________________________

Monica Martinez Simmons, City Clerk

(Seal)

Carl Marquardt/jp MO WSLCB Extended Hours Request RES July 15, 2011 Version #4

Form last revised: May 5, 2011 1