Seattle Small Businesses Forced to Get Creative to Ward Off Drug Addicts

Taking Matters into Their Own Hands

Seattle leaders have failed Belltown business owners, allowing drug addicts to take over sidewalks for years.

Councilmember Bob Kettle is MIA, Mayor Katie Wilson has no immediate solutions, and City Attorney Erika Evans says she won’t prosecute open-air drug use.

So now the owner of Club Dogfish on 3rd Ave is taking matters into his own hands, setting up plants and trees in his vestibule to keep out the fentanyl users.

But this move could be a violation of a city ordinance to keep public spaces clear.

So now the showdown begins. Will the city give small business owners a break or will they selectively enforce the law?

I wonder if this will be addressed in Wilson’s State of the City address on Tuesday.