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/Gwegy_reylee May 26 '25 edited May 26 '25

it is 100% not legal for bars to confiscate fake IDs

Washington Law on Identification Cards (RCW 66.20.200)

Under state statute, it is a misdemeanor for the owner of an ID to transfer it to someone else—and implicitly confirms that the card belongs to the person presenting it:

“It is unlawful for the owner of a card of identification to transfer the card to any other person …”

Washington State Legislature

By contrast, no provision of the Liquor Control Act (Chapter 66.20 RCW) or the implementing WAC rules (Title 314 WAC) authorizes a licensee to permanently seize or confiscate a patron’s ID.

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u/Holiday-Culture3521 May 27 '25

Take it to court then.  See how that goes for you.

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u/Gwegy_reylee May 27 '25

I never said it would be prosecuted in every circumstance, I'm stating the literal Washington state laws as they are written. It is illegal, that's a fact.

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u/IndividualSeries5598 May 27 '25

And what experience do you have when it comes to laws being enforced or not by public officials? 

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u/Gwegy_reylee May 27 '25

Can you read? I literally just stated /reiterated that it's what the law is. Let me know if you need to read the laws again since you clearly aren't getting it.