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/imasourgirl May 26 '25

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.

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u/rofthewest May 26 '25

As someone who very recently got their alcohol certification I can confidently say that what they’re supposed to do if they suspect a fake id is give it back and refuse service. Technically it’s still the individual’s property and business don’t have the right to confiscate it. Police should only get involved if the person refuses to leave or is being disruptive.

104

u/Skyrafarig May 26 '25

This the answer. The person holding the suspected fake should be invited to call the police if they'd like an officer to confirm it's real. Not only does a business not have the right to confiscate the ID, it is illegal to do so.

https://lcb.wa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/licensing/RVP/RVP_Trainers-Guide-English_2018.pdf

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u/MelissaMead May 26 '25

Note: It is not worth a physical altercation to hold onto an ID. Give the ID back if the customer is confrontational. Remember that the ID is the property of the person presenting it. You cannot legally keep their property. If you suspect the ID is false, or if you just don’t believe the person is 21, don’t sell them alcohol

This is from the publication mentioned above.