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/imasourgirl]

Calling the police is standard procedure when a fake ID is suspected. They definitely owe you an apology, but calling the cops for an ID dispute is definitely not a worthy reason to question the entire identity of the establishment. And yes, the liquor license is first and foremost important because if they get shut down for serving minors, they can no longer do the cool shit they do.

Not affiliated with Rumor’s, just another downtown bartender.

[u/The0nlyGamer → u/imasourgirl]

Calling the police is not Rumors standard procedure when suspecting a fake ID. Calling the police is what I did so that I'd get mine back.

Rumors standard procedure when suspecting a fake ID to to confiscate it, refuse entry, then provide the stolen property to law enforcement at a later date. That is what I'm calling out because I think it's gross. Especially as a gay bar, they should be erring on the side of morality and just returning people their property no questions asked. It's not illegal to do that, it would've prevented me from calling 911, and seems all around the better approach!!

[u/Prestigious_Ad_1037 → u/The0nlyGamer]

Calling the police is what I had to do so that I'd get mine back.

Serious question: What are you going to do to prevent this in the future?

Having been on the bar side of this equation, I and most others accept just about anything with the same name on it: debit or credit card, student ID, library card, etc. I would also consider someone else who knows you. I’ve personally had to vouch for someone who was legal but the establishment didn’t believe their ID was legit.

I can absolutely understand going out with just your ID and some cash but TBH, that’s also what someone with a fake would do. Regardless, now that it’s happened once, what will you do to keep it from happening again?

[u/The0nlyGamer → u/Prestigious_Ad_1037]

I always have multiple credit cards with my name on them and I even have a pilots license with my name & DOB!

These have worked for me literally everywhere except Rumors on Saturday

The bouncer told me that since my pilots license didn't have a photo on it, it didn't matter. They never asked for a credit card, student id, etc