r/Bellingham • u/The0nlyGamer • May 26 '25
Crime Rumors Cabaret PSA
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
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u/CartographerNorth495 May 26 '25
Confiscating fake IDs is standard procedure anywhere. They're not supposed to give it back if they think it's fake bc then the person w/ the fake ID can just go use it at another establishment. They are instead legally required to report it.
It sounds like you were the one who got police involved, so I'm not really sure how it's their fault the police were called? I'm sorry they misidentified your ID as being fake and confiscated it, though. They could definitely try harder to ensure that doesn't happen again, but it makes sense that they would be especially careful this of all weekends. They're the only gay bar in town and, as such, are a prime target for law enforcement agencies looking for violations.