Aurora Avenue strip club declared nuisance after probe uncovers prostitution, illegal alcohol sales

Club Dollhouse, an adult entertainment club on Aurora Avenue, has been declared a nuisance property by the Seattle Police Department (SPD) Chief Shon Barnes.

A lengthy investigation into the club revealed several documented instances of illegal activity within the business, leading to the nuisance declaration, SPD announced.

Various illegal activities were witnessed at the club during the investigation, including illegal alcohol sales, sexual exploitation, and the discovery of two firearms, one of which was found on a couch.

Aurora Avenue strip club receives chronic nuisance declaration letter

On Dec. 8, the City of Seattle sent a chronic nuisance declaration notice to the business and property owner of the space at 10338 Aurora Avenue N.

The letter required the owner to respond within seven days and come to an agreement with the city to address the public safety hazards at the club.

“The action underscores the city’s commitment to hold entertainment owners accountable for enabling or ignoring signs of criminal activity,” SPD stated.

The SPD VICE Human Trafficking unit received several complaints over the fall from citizens and other law enforcement agencies, concerned about underage people working and dancing inside the 21-and-over strip club, along with sexual exploitation and illegal alcohol sales.

The complaints sparked a multi-department investigation that included the Narcotics Unit, Community Response Group, Joint Enforcement Team, the Seattle Department of Finance and Administrative Services, and the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.

“Business owners who turn a blind eye to criminal activity and human trafficking are not welcome in Seattle,” Barnes said. “By declaring this business a chronic nuisance, we are sending a clear message to this and other businesses that they face real consequences.”

SPD noted this is the latest instance where the department has attempted to reduce human trafficking and sexual exploitation along the Aurora Avenue N. corridor, in hotels, and at strip clubs across the city.

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