Nickels, Sidran debate over club scene underscores racial themes

For students, a weekend may consist of a night in the dorms or a stroll through the parties past Northeast 45th street. But beyond the confines of the UW campus and the streets of the Greek system is a city wondering which mayoral candidate will let it stay out at night.

The issue of nightclub and bar security, and the existence of all-ages venues in the city of Seattle, have become a sticking point in the race between mayoral candidates Mark Sidran and Greg Nickels. And on the heels of the issues surrounding the city's nightlife are accusations of racial profiling and de-policing, that have become a focal point of criticism for both opponents.

Mayoral candidate and city attorney Mark Sidran closed various downtown nightclubs, citing city nuisance laws, after criticizing the city council's "weak" April 1999 proposal to regulate noise, violence, crowds and vandalism resulting from raucous clubs.

Sidran's opponent, King County Councilman Greg Nickels, said that Sidran wrongfully targeted African American-owned clubs in the downtown area. Some say such accusations are ridiculous; others disagree.

In 1999, bar owners joined with the Seattle Human Rights Commission to contest Sidran's proposal to issue entertainment licenses to about 200 liquor establishments that feature live music, arguing that the proposed "neighborhood impact statement" singled out African American-owned businesses.

Sidran said that an entertainment license similar to the one he proposed was required in San Francisco, and that city's nightlife had not been adversely affected. However, several Seattle nightclubs, some owned by African Americans, were soon closed.

Nickels has accused Sidran not only of targeting African American-owned clubs but also for targeting minorities altogether.

Both Nickels and Sidran condemn the use of racial profiling, but Sidran has expressed concern over "de-policing," in which police hesitate to question minorities for fear of racist accusations.

In addition to these issues is the long-standing debate over the 15-year-old Teen Dance Ordinance, which many argue hamstrings clubs to the point that it is financially impossible to hold all-ages venues in Seattle.

Although the city council struck down the ordinance in August 2000 in a 7-1 vote, Mayor Paul Schell vetoed the ordinance's replacement -- the All-Ages Dance Ordinance. The city council failed to generate the six votes needed to overrule Schell's veto.

Sidran believes the all-ages ordinance is too permissive, and would permit children to be in licensed premises with adults consuming alcohol.

"All it does is increase the risk and remove all of the prevention measures and security measures," Sidran said.

Like many, Nickels trusts that the ordinance is not as tolerant as Sidran believes it to be.

"I think our kids need places to dance, to play music," he said. "They need to have places where they can be active, young people, learning about who they are in their community."