Seattle police arrest 17 in nightclub "sting"

Seventeen bouncers, bartenders and other nightclub employees were arrested Saturday night — the end of a five-day undercover operation by Seattle police to crack down on crime in and around the city's nightspots.

Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske and City Attorney Tom Carr used the sting to push for Mayor Greg Nickels' proposal to require clubs to have special operating licenses — something they believe would give the city more ability to punish clubs when laws are broken.

If the sting is an indication, such lawbreaking is common, police say.

Carr called the results of the sting "shocking."

"Those who are entrusted to sell liquor ... need to sell it responsibly," Carr said.

Operation "Sobering Thought" began Aug. 16 and resulted in 28 arrest warrants. The warrants were served Saturday night and 17 bar employees were arrested.

During the sting, police officers posed as patrons and brought along under-age companions who were admitted to several of the bars even though the juveniles provided inadequate identification — expired driver's licenses, a license that belonged to someone else, or proper identification that showed they were under age.

In two cases, undercover officers posing as patrons were able to bring guns into a club. At Tommy's, 4425 University Way, the bouncer allegedly took a $100 bribe from an officer. And at Tabella, 2333 Western Ave., the bouncer allegedly noted the gun as he patted the officer down but let him walk inside anyway, police say.

Those who were arrested on the gross misdemeanors are to appear in Seattle Municipal Court on Monday.

Nancy Bartley: 206-464-8522 or nbartley@seattletimes.com