One of the thorniest issues we struggle with in city government is how to encourage a lively and economically-successful nightlife scene while also protecting public safety and neighborhood tranquility. It's not easy, but thankfully the vast majority of nightlife establishment owners and managers take their responsibilities seriously and do a good job of maintaining peace.
Yesterday, the Council's public safety committee received a briefing from the City's Code Compliance Team. Here are some key facts from the briefing. (You can watch the whole briefing here.)
Licensed Liquor Establishments in Seattle Year-to-Date in 2010: 1,766
Number of These Establishments in 2009: 1,497
Percent Increase Year Over Year: +17.9%
Number Establishments with Violations YTD in 2010: 208
Violations may be criminal incidents, public safety issues, and violations of public health, noise, licensing, taxing or permitting regulations.
Non-Compliance Rate YTD: 11.7%
Number of These Establishments Back In Compliance YTD: 197
"Back-in-compliance" occurs when the establishment has returned to operating in a legal manner for four consecutive weeks.
Back in Compliance Rate YTD: 94.7%
Number of Establishments Still Out of Compliance YTD: 11
Source: City's Code Compliance Team