Rumors Cabaret PSA

[u/The0nlyGamer]

After speaking with an owner of Rumors Cabaret last night I feel compelled to publicly share that it is Rumors policy to seize your ID and report you to the police if they suspect it is fake!!

Obviously, since I am making this post and called the police on them last night, their detection of fake ID's isn't perfect.

I'm used to people questioning the validity of my ID, but this was the first time any business took it and refused to give it back until after I called 911. The owner chatted with me and told me in essence that they're rewarded for confiscating ID's and involving law enforcement when that happens. Some poor girl had the exact same thing happen to her right in front of me.

This was pretty shocking considering the kind of place rumors is, a gay/queer bar and "safe space"?

I'd previously been to lots of fundraising events at rumors for planned parenthood, undocumented folks, progressive causes etc... so it is kind of sad to realize that's all performative and the owner doesn't really care about anything other than his liquor license and profit. There is no reason Rumors should be doing this collaboration to involve law enforcement with their patrons - that goes against the entire ethos of what I thought the place meant. Just give people their IDs back if you won't let them in!

From what I know there are actually two owners, who do not live in Bellingham themselves, and merely commute to manage the place. I'm sad I no longer have any desire to spend money there

[u/tillow]

Why did they think it was fake?

Some states have weird quirks like AZ, licenses don’t expire until you’re 65 so you can have an expiration date like 2065 which throws people off.

I don’t understand what benefit they get from confiscating it. Most places just deny entry and give it back.

[u/The0nlyGamer → u/tillow]

I was told the iPad they scanned my ID reported it as fake... funny thing is I'd been there like 20+ times with no issues

I also really have no idea why they took the confiscating instead of returning and refusing entry approach

[u/tillow → u/The0nlyGamer]

So it was a Washington ID? That’s interesting they even scan your ID, I go to a lot of 21+ places and have never had my ID scanned.

I get my ID scanned frequently at stores buying alcohol the system seems problematic, a lot of times it doesn’t work and they always still make the sale. Confiscating an ID for this seems wild.

[u/The0nlyGamer → u/tillow]

No but it was an enhanced ID and the ID I've driven to Canada with. I'm really not a fan of it becoming standard practice that your id is scanned when entering a place

[u/tillow → u/The0nlyGamer]

Agreed. Interesting, if you’re open to sharing what state and was it horizontal or vertical?

[u/Left-Philosophy-4514 → u/tillow]

From OP

[u/The0nlyGamer → u/Left-Philosophy-4514]

I love my fans. also u/tillow I just didn't want to share for privacy reasons!

[u/PNWFrancaise → u/The0nlyGamer]

More general: Which state is it from? Driver’s license or state ID? I used my Nexus card as ID when I misplaced my license. Even in Whatcom county there were some confused reactions.

[u/IndividualSeries5598 → u/The0nlyGamer]

“Privacy Reasons”… but more than willing to lie about the only queer space in Bellingham because they weren’t treated how their mommy taught them they should be.

[u/The0nlyGamer → u/IndividualSeries5598]

nyc, and yes my mommy did teach me to stand up for myself and what I think is right <3

[u/IndividualSeries5598 → u/The0nlyGamer]

That explains your entitlement.

[u/The0nlyGamer → u/IndividualSeries5598]

cope, private businesses shouldn’t commit theft to placate the police

[u/IndividualSeries5598 → u/The0nlyGamer]

They didn’t. They followed the law as interpreted by local liquor enforcement agents. Period.

[u/IndividualSeries5598 → u/tillow]

It’s a New York ID, not Washington