Washington Bikini Baristas Sue Over Law Banning Bikinis At Work

EVERETT, WA - Eight bikini baristas are suing the city of Everett over a new ordinance that restricts what they can wear while serving coffee. The baristas claim that the ordinance restricts their freedom of expression and are suing the city in federal court challenging the constitutionality of the law.

The suit was filed Monday in U.S. District Court in Seattle by the law firm Newman DuWors. One of the lead plaintiffs in the case is Jovanna Edge; she formerly owned a coffee stand in Woodinville called Java Girls. Edge also owned a more traditional bikini barista stand in Monroe, and another in Redmond.

In August, Everett passed a new ordinance creating a dress code for "quick service" restaurants. City officials said the ordinance is needed due to an uptick in "crimes of a sexual nature" occurring at coffee stands.

"The City has reviewed this matter and found evidence relating to the adverse impacts of the conduct of bikini barista stands. This evidence relates to barista stands with employees dressing in a manner that is closely and customarily associated with adult entertainment or adult situations," the ordinance reads.

Under the law, servers at quick-service establishments must cover the torso, pubic, and buttocks areas while serving coffee.

There is, however, a section of the Everett ordinance that deals with freedom of expression. The ordinance says that any "expressive" activities that bikini baristas undertake at work will be considered "adult entertainment" by the city, and therefore would render the stand an adult entertainment facility. Such facilities are governed differently under city rules than quick-service restaurants.

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