LACEY, Wash. — The City of Lacey is debating a proposed ordinance prohibiting public nudity following a decade of complaints from people in the city.
"Bikini baristas, I think, over the years, have been kind of a misnomer. It seems to be not a bikini, but something else. We've had complaints from the public saying, ‘How is this allowed?" said City Manager Scott Spence.
There are three bikini barista stands in Lacey.
A lot of customers didn't want to speak with KIRO 7 or be shown on camera, but customer Doug Henson wanted to speak up.
“I think it's ridiculous. I mean, really, it's a good business, they pay taxes, they're earning their keep. They're not doing anything illegal, they're not trying to sell sex, they're selling smiles and cup of coffee,” he said.
The proposed ordinance would make nudity in public a misdemeanor.
Spence said it’s about more than just bikini coffee stands; the ordinance would impact parks and other public places.
"Probably three, four years ago we'd been asked if they could have a parade, like a bicycle parade, that the participants would have nothing on. The question is, do we have a regulation on that?" Spence said.
Eric Wojtach, the co-owner of Pacific NW Baristas in Lacey, told KIRO 7 he believes some stands ruin it for everyone.
He said customers love their shop, complaints are low and people who don't want to see bikini baristas should go to a different coffee shop.
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