Court Opinion

ID: 9561838
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-21 18:17:17.210997+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:14:35.411327
License: Public Domain

Rosellini, J.
(concurring)—I agree with the majority that the prohibition of topless dancing on licensed premises is within the statutory and constitutional power of the Liquor Control Board. I would go further, however, and declare that it is not within the Board's power to authorize nudity or semi-nudity on licensed premises, and that for this reason that portion of the regulation which permits topless dancing on a stage is invalid. The regulation permits entertainers whose breasts and/or buttocks are exposed to view to perform upon a stage at least 18 inches above the immediate floor level and removed at least 6 feet from the nearest patron.
The demoralizing effect of sexually suggestive entertainment on persons consuming alcohol in public establishments dedicated to that purpose was recognized by the United States Supreme Court in California v. LaRue, 409 *697U.S. 109, 34 L. Ed. 2d 342, 93 S. Ct. 390 (1972). I will not repeat here the description found in that opinion of the conduct of patrons of bars and other licensed premises which was found to have been a common response to sexual entertainment. Suffice it to say that it was lewd and lascivious and in some instances involved attacks upon young girls who had no part in the entertainment.
It should also be remembered that an important factor inspiring the adoption of the Eighteenth Amendment and the Volstead Act (41 Stat. 305) was the public immorality associated with the consumption of alcohol. It would appear that the pendulum has made its full swing when such immorality is encouraged by those whose duty it is to see such public consumption does not offend the public welfare, order and morals.
The legislature certainly had in mind the State's duty to protect these interests when it enacted RCW 66.08, regulating the manufacture and dispensing of liquor and creating the Liquor Control Board to administer the law. That chapter provides:
This entire title shall be deemed an exercise of the police power of the state, for the protection of the welfare, health, peace, morals, and safety of the people of the state, and all its provisions shall be liberally construed for the accomplishment of that purpose.
(Italics mine.) RCW 66.08.010. RCW 66.08.030 permits the Board to make only such regulations as are consistent with the spirit of the title.
As I read these provisions, they authorize the Board to make regulations designed to promote the public morals in places where liquor is sold and not to make regulations which tend to encourage immoral and indecent conduct.
The constitutionality of such regulations forbidding indecent entertainment on licensed premises has been upheld by the United States Supreme Court. California v. LaRue, supra.
*698I would not only affirm the trial court, but I would go further and declare that that regulation which permitted topless dancing on a stage on licensed premises is invalid.
Wright, C.J., concurs with Rosellini, J.
Petition for rehearing denied May 26, 1978.