Date: Sun, 19 May 1996 00:21:08 -0700 From: Aubrey Hart Sparks Subject: Cat Walk Press Release - May 18, 1996 From: Catwalk Club 172 S. Washington Subject: Liquor Board Harassment at Catwalk Club Agents of the Washington State Liquor Control Board have filed allegations that "lewd conduct" occurred at Catwalk Club on May 4. As a result, the W.S.L.C.B. has temporarily suspended our liquor license. We are currently contesting these allegations in a court of law. The allegations stem from an undercover visit by agents of the Liquor Board on a Saturday night when we were hosting a fashion show. A report filed by the agents alleges that lewd and disorderly conduct occurred on our licensed premises, and that certain activities were not open to the general public. The owners and employees of Catwalk deny that any such activities took place, and that the allegations in the filed report demonstrate a complete lack of understanding of our club as an environment for legitimate, legal expression and dancing. For example, the report repeatedly describes what people in the club were wearing, as if fashion contributes to illegal activity: "I observed a white female dressed in a white tight fitting garment that resembled a some type of night gown" and "two rather large women dressed in leather." Based on such observations and "Findings of Fact," the Liquor Board has ordered an emergency suspension of our liquor license on the grounds of "protection of the welfare, health, peace, morals, and safety of the people of the State of Washington." While we remain open for business, the emergency suspension of our liquor license threatens the long-term operation of the club. We believe that Catwalk has been deliberately targeted because we are the only club in Pioneer Square open to alternative lifestyles, where our patrons exercise their freedom of expression; in addition, we are open for after-hours operations. We enforce the law and uphold community standards, providing a safe, clean environment for our clientele. For more information, contact Kitty Liberation Army 1202 East Pike, litter box 1315 Seattle, WA, 98122-3934