Thank god we have the government to tell us what we can and can not have on our city streets. It's nice to see city government directing their attention on important matters such as this. Forget the high price of gas and people losing their homes, get pasties off the street.
There are so many other issues that we face and this is what city government chooses to direct their attention with.
Of course, if the media could get away from video taping bikinis to get viewers maybe no one would have cared in the first place and this would have been avoided.

I agree that the government needs to step in. People will do anything to make some extra bucks, so long as they're "allowed" to. I was suprised to see a Coffe shop advertising "Pasties Everyday" just yesterday. That wouldn't be appropriate attire for walking through town, through a mall, or any other place that doesn't call for photo ID, so it has no place where there are open windows or unregulated access.

If you don't like it, don't patronize it. Simple as that. God forbid anyone has freedom of expression or freedom of speech anymore. Just because a few jealous middle-aged women don't like it doesn't mean no one else should be able to enjoy it.

Get over it!!!!!! Don't buy coffee there if it offends you. Get a life because with all our economic problems people worry about some girls in Pasties, or bathing suites.

When a public business has floor-to-ceiling windows, you can't "avoid it" by simply not frequenting the business. Most of these coffee places are adjacent to, or very near, other businesses or in parking lots. If you shop or park anywhere near them, you are going to get an eyeful.

And that's not appropriate. Pasties and thongs are not public attire. And places where women are "dressed" in them are indeed adult entertainment establishments and should be regulated as such. No one under 18 admitted and no windows that allow someone just walking by to see inside.

Do we have other issues that need attending to... crime, health care, mortgage crisis, etc? Yes, we obviously do. But anyone who doesn't think the increasingly lax attitude towards pornography and public undress has helped speed along the moral decay and collapse that leads to crime is quite wrong.

Appearing in a porn movie or magazine used to be something to feel shame about, now it's a career move. Shame is an under rated emotion. Notoriety is not fame.

Here's the comical angle on this whole stupid idiotic issue: If you take the semi-naked baristas debate and transport it to say, Key West Florida or San Diego,
the people there would look at you like you're nuts. It wouldn't even get a shoulder shrug from the locals. The only thing the government needs to involve itself (us) in is whether they're selling sex. The peep show argument. If a barista offers to "show you a little more" for a 10 spot in the tip jar, then its porn. Otherwise, get your coffee and leave.

I being a female have nothing against the bikini brista's however i have a problems with most of the girls being under the age of 18 years old from what i have heard on the news. Yes the goverment has bigger things to worry about but, but when these girls start getting raped and stalked by male customers then the public will blame the goverment for that to saying they didnt do enough to stop it. so they are damned if they do and damned if they dont.

I agree with jennie but at the same time these girls know what they are getting into when they decide to get half naked. Ive been through these stands and its scary because I wouldnt be suprised if they offered an extra peek or even a "job" for an extra tip, thats the part thats really bad! If these girls were actual skanks then there wouldnt be a problem.

hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, so folks in Key West or San Diego wouldn't give this a second thought? I don't know if that's true or not, but even if it is, that doesn't mean it's right and that we should do the same thing.

If everyone in Key West thought it was no big deal to jump off the Empire State Building, would that be okay too? Just because "eveyone" is doing something or believes it's okay, doesn't make it right.

They may not be literally selling sex, but nor are the strippers in strip clubs (at least not legally). Still those places are regulated, you have to be 18 plus to go into them and they don't have windows. The same standard should apply to baristas wearing pasties.

Bikinis are not an issue. It's the girls wearing less than that... much less.

I'm not saying they have no legal right to run a business of this type. Just that it qualifies as adult entertainment and should be regulated as such.

I wouldn't want my 6 year old to see them even when driving by. I would not patronize such a place simply because I think it is unsanitary. I wouldn't want some diseased whores pubic hairs in my drink.

Oh yes, more government, please, more, more, more. As we see every day, government is so efficient and proficient at everything! Maybe FEMA could intervene.

Maybe there are some perverted idiots who want to get sick with e-coli from when the hoochie barista adjusts her thong out of her butt then touches the food and drinks.

If a medical doctor can comment on what and how many viruses and communicable diseases you can get by patronizing one of these places.

Wasn't there an age restriction put on strip clubs for a reason? I don't know what it is, 18 or 21. Since the 14 year old boy can't get into the strip club, now he'll just walk down the street (after middle school lets out for the day)and ogle the pasties clad barista. Seriously, bikinis are one thing, pasties are another.

And sure, it's easy to say you don't have to go there. But there at least needs to be some kind of warning before you drive up with the kids. Most places have no indication of what you're going to see.

And not all these girls realize what they're getting into. I know a couple cops who were called to one of these coffee stands for harassment or assault or something. When they arrived they found out the baristas called 911 because a customer took a picture of them in their pasties. Sorry ladies, not illegal, not grounds for an arrest. What did they expect?

It is becoming more and more obvious that our society is morally challenged and has less and less morals every day. But why do they have to comprimise public health? These places are very unsanitary.

You can't say "God" or "Christmas" in public schools, government buildings or at the airport; but it is ok to show your boobs to kids. And get pubic hairs in peoples drinks. That is the moral of this story folks. People that have morals and sanitary standards don't have any rights, only immoral losers, with or without cooties, have rights. The freedom of speech and expression does not apply to christians.

Mark,
Why is it when something like this goes down, it is because of jealous middle aged women? I am certainly NOT jealous of these scantly clad babes...quite the contrary...I am po'd at them for taking us back 50 years where women were nothing but sexual objects...where they have set themselves up for failure because eventually some future employer is going to find out and throw their resume in the waste paper basket. They will not be taken seriously.

I am 48 and proud of how I look and how I have managed to keep a good figure...but, I am not (nor have I ever been) desparate enough to sport pasties to make an extra buck so guys like YOU can gawk and drool...Nothing like a guy who can only look at a woman's chest during a conversation....yuk!

I wait for the day when something worse happens than some guys just taking photos for Youtube. I am sorry, when you put yourself out like that for the world to see, including every sicko, you are ASKING for trouble. It WILL happen and the owners will have nothing to say because they are the ones who invited it. It's down right trashy..for lack of a better word.

You wanna get paid to strip down? Go to a strip club. A line has to be drawn somewhere for propriety...apparently many of you have NONE!

Some people think we don't have enough registered sex offenders.
My husband thinks I am sexy...in the bedroom. I am happily married and fit. I have a good job and I won't advertise my boobs in public. I am not jealous of scantily clad girls. I pity them. They can't be truely happy with a man that loves them and has respect for them. These baristas are not ladylike or businesslike. And they are spreading germs.

FACT #1 it is unsanitary.
FACT #2 it is offensive for the general public.
Why can this continue?

May I remind some people that corruption of a minor is illegal. If you drive up to a booby stand and there is no sign warning you and your kids see the scantily clad offensive baristas, you can sue them. If they keep getting sued they will go out of business. Problem solved. Sue away!

Ok I am a mature woman who used to visit one of these coffee stands before I moved. It was by far the best flavored coffee drinks I have found. The young lady was just that not a whore, not immoral or any other negative things you might wish she was so you could justify your rude comments I am reading here. In daily visits over several months I never found a single hair in my drinks...not something I can say about many restraunts about town. Our government does have far more important issues than you being embarrassed or feeling less than because some pretty young female is visable. Plain and simple..don't like it take your money else where.

Pubic hair in your drink? Since when? Has anyone actually reported this happening? I'm willing to bet you'll find more pubic hair in a fast food restaurant bathroom that you would in one of these stands.

Being a place that serves food and drink, there are certain health standards the establishments -- and workers -- must adhere to. I haven't seen a Sasquatch working these places, just clean, healthy-looking young women.

Yes, maybe the pasties-n-thongs attire is a bit too much (or little?), but I don't see any problems with the standard issue bikini.

Would this be an issue if an overweight, unattractive woman was working at one of these places? Or, would it be OK, because "she's just trying to make a living"?

The old "double standard" lifts its ugly head once again.

As has been noted, if you don't like it, don't buy it. Sure, you might "accidentally" pull up to one of these stands, so maybe there should be some sort of warning posted at the entrance. But then again, shouldn't the name of the place be a tip-off (no pun intended)?

Being the land of coffee, there are HUNDREDS more of these small businesses in the area. I'm sure they would appreciate your patronage.

By the way, I am not a coffee drinker. I feel so left out!

And to those who are claiming these stands are spreading germs..so is your local grocery store, the gas pumps, department stores so on and so on. What to see them shut down as well? The health department makes frequent checks on these stands.

Corruption of a minor child for immoral purposes cannot be justified. Once innocence is lost it cannot be returned.

They should at least have a red light so we know which stands are for perverts and which ones are for normal people. We need to be warned so our children don't get corrupted. I would be happy to give a law firm referral to anyone who had a child corrupted by a booby stand.

The intent here is to sell coffee...not corrupt children.
The innocence of a minor child is lost the instant they see their first television commercial. From that day forward, their brains are wired like everyone else - "I want, I want, I need, I need, I must have, and -- gimme!".
I don't see or hear the Pied Piper, or Willy Wonka, or the Wicked Witch, Tony Tiger, or Lucky the Leprechaun drawing children in to these establishments. What I do see is moms in their SUVs dragging their kids from Bed, Bath, and Beyond to Home Depot, to WalMart, to the outlet malls, and then driving up to these places for a cup, however.
Shouldn't THIS be considered corruption of a minor child? Or is acceptable, because you must train your child to be a "good lil consumer"?
The responsibility lies with the parent in this case, for making the conscious, aware, deliberate, adult decision to pull up to the window in order to satisfy their own selfish need, without regard to their precious children.
Shouldn't they remain pure and innocent forever?
Or, at least until the bully down the block force feeds them a double-tall vanilla soy, whip-cream mocha latte espresso grande while dressed in designer clothing (or...pasties)?
Face it -- this world ain't perfect.
These stands are "drive-thru"....meaning you can also "drive-by".
Maybe they should follow the "Hooters" business model -- a sit-down family affair, with music, dancing, and fun for all!

You can get AIDS from breastmilk. If a barista dripped breastmilk into your drink who has AIDS you are toast!

In response to the idiot, when I take my child shopping he is never exposed to a topless whore in person!

Someone's not playing by the rules!

1. Do not use obscene or offensive language. You may not post or link to any material that could be considered obscene, indecent, lewd, pornographic, violent, abusive, insulting, threatening, harassing or in violation of the law.
================

Referring to a barista as a "topless whore" just might be considered offensive, threatening, or harassing by some (maybe even topless whores themselves!). Heck, I've never seen "topless whores" while shopping, either! I guess they only come out at night? Or, maybe I'm shopping at the wrong stores?

Maybe I'll have to take it upon myself to vist a "gentleman's club" and perform some field research on this issue. Find out how the "TWs" really feel. Or maybe KING 5 should do it in the name of "fair and balanced reporting".

Also, I do take offense at being referred to as "the idiot", if indeed that was the intent.

The whole issue boils down to...if you (generally speaking -- not directed to anyone in particular) don't like it, don't buy it!

Your vehicle is NOT equipped with an autopilot/handgun in the steering wheel that FORCES YOU BEYOND YOUR WILL TO TURN IN TO THESE ESTABLISHMENTS, PULL OUT YOUR MONEY, AND ORDER A DRINK OR I KILL YOUR CHILD device -- is it?

And...maybe some people LIKE toast with their coffee...don't most of these places sell muffins and other snacks, too?

Women who expose themselves in a public place are not worthy of respect. They ask to be called these things. They should have a warning sign like "not g rated" or suitable for minors. Parents should know in advance which ones not to patronize. I can't believe some people can justify this corruption.

Hmm....let's see.....

Friendly Bean, Bikini Espresso, or Espresso Gone Wild.

Hmm.....which one of these will I patronize so as not to offend myself or anyone else?

Doesn't seem to be rocket science here, folks.

By the way, Bikini Espresso in Renton does NOT have bikini-clad women -- they're fully clothed! Surprise!

It's not all in the name.

Mike, you are right up to a point. No is forcing anyone to patronize any particular place.

However, no one forces anyone to patronize strip clubs either. It's completely voluntary.

Nonetheless, there are regulations involved: you must be 18 to get into one, and they don't have windows allowing passersby, or even patrons, see inside.

If someone wants to run an erotic espresso stand, so be it. But, it should be considered an adult entertainment business and regulated accordingly.

No one under 18, no windows... that's all

If a woman wants to show herself in such a way, so be it. However, the issues here are a)bad coffee b)unsanitary conditions. The art of coffee is lost in a place like this. I understand it's a quick fix, but don't you want good coffee? I know I don't like spending $5 on a drink that I toss out anyway. Also, I work as a barista (a fully clothed barista that does NOT work at Starbucks) and I get awesome tips just making good coffee and conversation. Another issue I just thought of was safety. We work with HOT water, over 200 degrees and hot milk sometimes up to 190 degrees (crazy, I know). Spills happen, hence the dress code rules of fully covered feet, etc etc. The other safety issue that has come up is the fact that coffee stands are one of the most targeted businesses for robbery. A deviant theif might be more inclined to hit up the hottie wearing less clothes because they look to be an easier target, not to mention the creepos that come to glare and try to push it further. If they must wear the outfits, at least protect the girls.

Women who tease or tantillize, create sexual tension. Let's hope sex offenders don't frequent these places & then turn towards a local school bus stop for a sexual encounter with your child!

This is more important than just getting an eye full of booby.

Where is your local sex offender getting coffee, and do you know where your child is?????

Kim, 99% of sex offenders, like the rest of us, have indelible sexual preferences. Someone who gets "teased or tantilized" by a scantily-clad adult woman is not going to search out a child for sex. Anymore than you would get hot and bothered by a man and then seek out another woman for sex.

The sexual preferences of a pedophile are indeed sick and warped, but they are attracted to children only, just like a heterosexual adult is attracted only to adults of the opposite sex.

So, a man or woman who gets turned on by seeing nearly-naked adult women is EXTREMELY unlikely to then find a child to assualt.

Yes, there are a few, a very few, catch as catch can sex predators who are going to prey on anyone they can find, woman, man, child or animal, but it's rare.

So, as far as that aspect goes, the baristas in pasties aren't a threat.

But they are erotic entertainers, and should be regulated in the same way strippers and strip clubs are.

Pam...Oh please get a grip on reality...How do you
get from scantily clad baristas to AIDS in breast
milk. You need to come down to earth. Also try to
moderate your language about others. Are you
perfect ? Doubt it !

Since when does sombody running around nearly naked become "Freedom of Expression or Freedom of Speech"? Quit twisting our constitution around.

The point of the story is to put serving coffee drinks in a sexual way. Not patronizing the business is not the answer. Any numbskull can figure that one out. Just because one has a choice of patronizing a business, doesn't mean that the business is following good business ethics and morality. To not shop there doesn't solve the problem.

Also; To think that a sex maniac would not go harm someone else just because he/she saw someone half naked is just plain nuts. That would be encouragement not satisfaction.

Where is L & I? Why arn't they there saying something about these women being around very HOT coffee machines? Lets go to some resturant that has scantiliy dressed cook!. Stop, Think about it.

Ok just a few points here. First name calling just negates anything more the name caller says as it shows they really have no argument to begin. Second do your homework as to what makes sex offenders tick before you toss that one out there as well, plus said knowledge might protect you in the future. Third as I stated in an earlier post I have been a frequent patron of one of these stands and never once have I experienced a bad coffee. Please note the person who last referred to the coffee at these stnds as bad is a bartisa who works for competing business. Why would they visit one of these stands in the first place? Number four, the 'moral police.' You do not speak for me nor any of my friends and I doubt highly you speak for the majority of people out there just based on the lack in the number of people speaking up against these stands. Does anyone remember the days when when others were harrassed and called immoral for even wearing skirts that showed the knee? Yes I did just date myself as I remember them, was a kid but still remember it. And now for the big one...ready...if as stated over and over these women can be seen by people passing on the street, just how did you not notice them until you pulled to the window? Were you not paying attention to your surrounds while behind the wheel?

There is a big difference between skirts that show the knees and being virutally unclothed. When someone decides to forgoe even the pasties and thongs and have totally nude baristas, will that be okay too? And will those saying it's too much be "moral police"?

Really, completely nude isn't much of a stretch beyond pasties. I mean, how is covering the nipples only even clothing? It's not, unlike a skirt of any length, which clearly is clothing.

Not everyone who sees the baristas is in their car when they pass--and who wouldn't be distracted by seeing that from a passing car, that is another argument AGAINST having large windows in these places, too distracting to drivers. However, many of these places are in the parking lots of shopping areas, so those walking by would see them too.

I don't have a problem with adults who want "adult entertainment" in the form of strip clubs, etc. But that's exactly what it is. From your point of view, any minor should be allowed to frequent a strip club, and strippers should be able to perform right out on the streets.

As to sexual predators, not sure who your comment was directed at, but I have done plenty of homework, it's part of my job description to do so.

I do agree with you, however, that name calling doesn't lend credence to an arugment, in fact, just the opposite. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but there is no need to be abusive.

Yes there is a big difference but clearly you missed the point so I won't even bother. Any one been to a pool or the beach or a lake and seen some of these bikinis some are wearing? They cover little more than the pasties and thongs and in fact often the bottoms are thong. Are we going to call them stripers or worse? Are we going to cry for the places you might see them the same as strip clubs?
The comments about seeing them before pulling in was in response to comments above about them being clearly seen from the street. If this was true how did the poster not notice them before driving up to the window? " I wouldn't want my 6 year old to see them even when driving by." Oh and you can't go from not seeing driving by to them being a traffic hassard because they are distracting, Logic doesn't follow.
As to the floor to ceiling windows? Where? The one I patronize has normal coffee stand windows. And before anyone goes where I am certain they will go i am a healthy hetro female. I visit the stand I do because the young lady working there happens to make very good drinks. Oh and yes I am a mother as well.

Wow... I guess we really have to spell this out.

Not all coffe stands are set-up the same.

Some coffe stands you can see them in plain view from the street (I know of 1 that is right next to a busy freeway off-ramp where you can clearly see them leaning out the window).

At others you can't see them until you drive up(I know of another where the name is completely coffee related, giving no indication of what is to come).

It's really not that difficult to understand.

I didn't go from saying you couldn't see them from your cars to they are a driving hazard (not hassard), I said that you could see them walking by just as easily as you could driving by, so to accuse people of not paying attention to their driving is not quite correct. Some people who see this aren't driving.

I have never been to one of these places, I rarely buy coffee out, I can make it better at home for a whole lot less money.

So, you are right, I don't know if there are actually floor to ceiling windows at some (not all) of these places. I got that from the printed story. If it's not true, then my argument does not apply, you are right. But have you been to ever, single coffee stand in the Puget Sound area? You can no more be certain that none of them have large windows, than I can be that they do. Certainly I've seen Starbucks and other, local shops too, that have very large windows.

I don't think I missed your point at all, you equated objecting to women in public wearing nothing but pasties to objecting to women in public wearing skirts that show their knees.

I happen to think thong bikinis are in poor taste, and bare breasts (and pasties aren't clothes) are a bit beyond that... they are adult-oriented viewing, and should be regulated as such.

That is, you should be completely unable to see the girls unless you are inside the establishment. I'm not at all saying that they should not be able to run a business like this, or that a girl can't make her money doing this, just that it's not appropriate to do so in an environment where you can be seen from the outside.

And, anyone who presumes you are a lesbian because of where you buy coffee would be way off base. That never occurred to me.

PS I have rarely, if ever, outside of a television show or movie, seen a real person wearing a thong bikini, by the way.

I meant a regular bikini wasn't a big deal, and I don't think that would need to be regulated.

But thongs, yeah, they are a bit much for public viewing.

I might also ask how you'd feel if your daughter chose to be a nearly naked barista, or that of a stripper?

If your reaction is that you would be disappointed or upset, you might want to re-think your position.

I dont necessarily have a problem with the girls in "pasties", it is sad that is the only way they feel they can make money but this is a personal dilemma, not a moral dilemma. I am in agreeance with most, if it bothers you, dont buy your coffee there. What I am concerned about is the signal it may be sending to those who are not stable. My husband has one of these stands in the parking lot where he works and almost weekly the police are coming out for complaints of some man pulling in with his "equipment" hanging out of his pants. Just recently, one of the employees was screaming from the stock room, my husband and a co-worker ran out to find her hysterical, a man who had passed through the line on numerous occasions had pushed her into the stock room and proceeded to attempt to assault her. I am sure there is a little flirtation going on, lets face it, they are doing this job for the tips and being friendly get tips, but, there are those individuals out there who take that flirting to a different degree. Certain not so stable individuals may feel like the flirting is an invitation for something else. That is the reality of the world we live in. I feel like these gals are doing more potential harm to themselves than the rest of us by putting themselves in a situation that may or may not compromise their safety.

Ok let's start with the floor to ceiling issue. If you reread my post you will see i asked where the stands with thes windows are. I then stated the ONE I visit doesn't have such windows. No where did I address one single person, I am responding to several posts in one posting. So don't think what I say is all about you because it isn't.
Clearly my point was over looked. I was pointing out that times do change. For the better or not isn't my call nor is it your call.
If you go in the business it no longer is a drive through.
And again my comment about being hetero was made because you can bet at least one person reading this would be sitting there thinking oh well she goes there she most be a lesbian. And you don't beleive that, guess again. Happens all the time to people who stand up for beleifs, they become labeled.
The word rarely means that you have more than likely see a thong bikini in real life so you have see just about as much as the baristas are showing except the bikini wearer wasn't inside 4 walls.
Now for the big one. I have raised my daughter to be an open honest free thinking human being. One who doesn't judge people by the jobs they do but by the kind of person they are. If she chose to do either profession yes I would support her in it because I know she has thought it through. She has a good head on her shoulders. Oh and yes she is more than pretty, she is outright beautiful inside and out.
You have the right to beleive as you do and follow through on it just as I have those rights. Just one of the more beautiful things about America the right to freedom of thought and expression.

Kim,

I'm not saying these girls can't make a living this way if they so chose either.

I don't think it's really so much a moral issue, but one of what is appropriate for the general public. I don't think violence in movies is necessarily immoral, but I do think it's extremely inappropriate for children. The same applies here. If adults want to patronize a business where the girls are practically nude, they have that right, but it's not appropriate for those who are underage, nor appropriate that it can be seen by passers-by.

And your story only goes to show that this sort of business is indeed different than a coffee shop where employees are clothed. And should be regulated accordingly.

The only difference between thes coffee stands and the ones where the workers are fully clothed is the amount of clothing.

Or lack of clothing, which is the point. Pasties aren't clothes.

As I said, it's not that I feel people can't chose to be a stripper or a naked barista for a living, they can.

It's not about morals but about appropriateness.

Surely, you don't believe that stip clubs should be open to children or that stripping should be done in public?

These places are no different. Do they have a right to exist? Our constitution says "yes." But they should be regulated, just like any other adult entertainment.

If a woman walked down a public street in nothing but pasties, she'd most likely be arrested. How is this different?

"Rarely, if ever," is a turn of phrase meaning I don't recall ever seeing one, but on the off chance I might have and forgotten (not likely), I'll not be definitive in my statement. As I said in another post, I don't actually think thong bikinis are appropriate either... T & A should be covered in public. It's the last remaining clothing requirement. When we lose that, the next step is total nudity in public at any time or place. Maybe you think that would be fine, but I don't.

On the other hand, you may not think it's your call to say that things have not changed for the better, but for myself, I'll take the right to say that it is my call--that is, my opinion-- to say that many things have not. This would be one of those things. Now, I'm a pretty hard core liberal, but if you look at the stats on crime, it's pretty clear that, as traditional morals have loosened up, crime, unwanted pregnancies and STDs have increased.

And, if it really wouldn't bother you to have your daughter become a stripper, than I applaud you for not being a hypocrite. In my experience, most men who enjoy going to strip clubs would be upset and mortified if their own daugther became a stripper.

Amazing how much we as a society are still 'upset' about nudity. Maybe if we were more honest and open with our children, spouse, friends... nudity and sex would not be a problem.

Some issues to think about:

...in the United States, teen pregnancy rate is more than nine times higher than that in the Netherlands, nearly four times higher than the rate in France...

...United States, the teen birth rate is nearly 11 times higher than that of the Netherlands, nearly five times higher than the rate in France, and nearly four times higher than that in Germany...

...United States, the teen abortion rate is nearly eight times higher than the rate in Germany, nearly seven times higher than that in the Netherlands, and nearly three times higher than the rate in France...

We as Americans have such a warped idea about sex, we view nude women (or men) as 'disgusting', and any idea of a person being a sexual being is deemed immoral.

And you wonder why places like these thrive.

Only two points this time. Actually in most locations in this area a woman could walk down the street wearing pasties and a thong and she woul not be arrested. The law calls for genitals and aeroles to be covered in public. And there was iofficers because her picture was being taken. That happened at the coffee stand I visit. The stand had a sign posted no pictures and because she was inside a building doing so would be the same as a peeping tom photographing you in your home. It turnned out the photographer was an off duty police man from a different area and he thought he was collecting evidence of a crime. He was informed she had commited no crime but in fact it could have been inturpted he had. The result is she wasn't arrested and made a choice on her own to no longer go the pasties route. Now she wears either bikinis or fancy bras and panty sets (which could easily be mistaken as swimwear).
Good points JamminJ

"PS I have rarely, if ever, outside of a television show or movie, seen a real person wearing a thong bikini, by the way."

REALLY???? Never been to a beach? Even here in Seattle, you can find a few wearing thongs on Alki on a nice hot sunny day.

Seems some of you here, may need to visit a SAA Program (Sexual addiction meeting) near you.

The whole story of men driving up to these places with there junk in hand, is a testament to the lack of sexual control men are having in this day & age of sex sells everything.

Do you really think being teased by a woman will only result in a situation with a woman. Are you telling me a 6 year old child is sexual and invites this behavior from an adult? No,....in some cases it is only because they can kidnap and control a child. They are sexually frustrated & mentally ill!

I was that 6 year old child.

Compassion is needed, not pasties.

Please people, become aware. We need to love one another, not have all the sexual experiences we can at other people's expense.

Sex belongs in the privacy of one's home with the consent of another adult.

Period.

Interesting that it's obscene for a woman to brestfeed her baby in public, but it's okay to run around with a bare bottom & boobs hanging out with only the nipples covered.
I personally think it speaks volumes for our society & mentality when we need to sell food by being 90% naked. Let's just feed into the sex sickness that already pervades our world. We have children & young people being molested, raped, & worse every day & we think this is okay??? I would guess that the same men who frequent these coffee stands are the same ones sitting at home & work on their computers chatting with underage kids & ferquenting the porn sites. Going to these coffee stands is NOT an innocent activity. Those giving their business to these places should be ashamed.

"The whole story of men driving up to these places with there junk in hand, is a testament to the lack of sexual control men are having in this day & age of sex sells everything."

no, its not that sex sells everything. It's that we in this society deem sex as taboo and something that we should be ashamed about, that allow places like this to be a novelty for people. Also, I didn't read in any of the stories of men with 'junk in hand', where did you read that that was going on?

Well said Hummmm!!!

Would anyone here like to guess what percent of the internet is porn? You're already paying for that, now you NEED "sex" at coffee stands too?

Lordy, Lordy.

"We have children & young people being molested, raped, & worse every day & we think this is okay???"

How are you equating seeing a womens breast at a coffee stand and trying to equate that to rape??? take a look at other societies that are honest and open about sexuality, who don't view womens breasts as evil and you will see a radical drop in those issues you mentioned.

Posted 8-7 @ 11:47, by another Kim, who claims to know of said event.

I will start calling myself Z.

"Would anyone here like to guess what percent of the internet is porn? "
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and guess which country is in the tops when it comes to spending money on porn? the US.
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Funny how European nations who regularly have nude ads, nude beaches, and have comprehensive sex ed are one of lowest spenders of porn.
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Or we can become like these countries that ban porn and some which cover their women from head to toe.
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Saudia Arabia, Iran, Syria, Bahrain, Egypt, UAE, Kuwait, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Kenya, India,Cuba, China.

I love bare breasts. I have 2. My mother feed me from hers. They are a beautiful life force. That it's not my issue.

Reread my posts. If you can't follow along, it's because you think that this subject is about the acceptance of bare breasts. There is more to it than that. That's why this subject is somewhat heated. Maybe your not old enough to understand the difference.

I attend college with women whom have choosen to wear attire that cover themselves from head to toe. They have told me they do it out of respect for themselves. I find them equally as beautiful.

I agree different countries live by different standards. Who's right, who's wrong...it's just a matter of oppinion. If you are uncomfortable with living like an American, I'm sure you can relocate to a destination of you choice.

So you think American men rape and become sexually addicted because American women are not bare breasted?

"So you think American men rape and become sexually addicted because American women are not bare breasted?"
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I seriously hope you are being facetious with that statement. It is our societies attitude towards sex and nudity, our lack of honesty with our children, and portraying people as evil when it comes to sexuality that has led us to have some of, if not the highest, rates of sexual misconduct.

As far as choosing to 'relocate', I guess I could also make the same simplistic argument to those that are frightened of nudity to move to a country that demand body parts be covered.

I have to put this one "out there" for everyone. If the Barista was a guy without his shirt on would we all be filling up this blog with all these replies?

Just curious.

Personally though if you don't like the atmosphere of a restaurant most of us don't go back. So if you don't like the atmosphere of the coffee stand go patronize another one. It's not like there is a shortage of coffee stands in Washington state.

I've gotten a few posts behind here, but it is not illegal for people to take pictures of these girls. I've had this discussion with several cops who have told the baristas the same thing. In private homes, bathrooms, lockerrooms, and such, there is an assumption of privacy. Then if someone crawls up to your window unbeknownst to you, they are illegally invading your privacy.

However these coffee stands are public businesses in public places. They're not hiding in the little shack, they're hanging out the window handing things to customers. They are intentionally baring themselves in public, it is their personal choice. The owner can hang a "no pictures" sign, but that does not make it law. It's probably within their right to deny service to that person, but legally perverts can stand there and take as money pictures as they want. It's sad but true. I've been told this by an entire county police crew.

I'm with you hmmmmmmmmmm and Jammin' you make some good points about the differences between other countries and America. Many other countries also have legalized drugs. Should we do that too?

Seems like the issues are getting a little jumbled in this long thread.

The point is, as it stands now, we have regulations regarding adult entertainment in the Seattle area. So the question isn't whether that's right or wrong (that could be a question, of course, but not for this thread), the question is, do these barista stands qualify as erotic entertainment in the way that strip clubs do?

The answer to that is "yes". And so, Bremerton, Mason County, etc, etc are acting within the law to require that a business follows the rules.

Me personally? I think these laws are appropriate. Sexual entertainment should be regulated and controlled. It's not appropriate for the general public, particularly young children, to view, just like extreme violence, just like drinking alcohol, some things are just meant as adult forms of entertainment and consumption, baristas in pasties fall under that category.

I'm still waiting for one of you who defend these coffee stands to say that stripping should be a public form of entertainment. Putting a sticker on your nipple does not take you far enough away from stripping to qualify as anything else.

And, to whoever said this prevents girls from having to become "strippers or worse", I have news for you, these girls basically are strippers. Pasties are NOT clothes.

"Many other countries also have legalized drugs. Should we do that too?"
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whole different topic. But, it's not just about legalizing this or that. Its about our attitudes as a society towards these issues.
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But I do agree that if these businesses decide to use pasties as an outfit, there does need to be some regulation.

But I think this topic goes beyond what a barista wears or doesn't wear. Its the attitude that these women are 'whores', or just strippers, these comments are just a hint of how we feel about nudity and sexuality in this country.

I'm slightly offended by the woman claiming I'm saying the coffee is bad because it's competition. I find that presumptuous. I buy coffee from many other coffee shops and drive-thrus. Many of us baristas like to patron other coffee establishments to try something new. I just know that the several different "bikini" stands that I have gone to have had bad coffee. So good for you if you like the coffee made by your barista, then that means she's a good barista whether she is clothed or not.

MY POINT mainly, was safety. those machines are HOT. The water is HOT. The milk is HOT. OSHA requires certain clothing requirements, why hasn't that been looked into? I don't care that they are half naked, I don't have kids to worry about them being corrupted, I am worried about their safety. Both from the job itself, which can be painful, and the not so upstanding people (male OR female) in our society.

p.s. The comment about male baristas w/out shirts falls under my same safety comment. I'm not kidding when I say that stuff is HOT!

Heather said these people at the stands are women. Since when is a 16 year old a woman? And when it comes to sex offenders, stimulating them at a booth could lead to another person being raped. They may not be buying coffee but looking from a distance. They're sneaky you know.They will try to release the "tension" somewhere. Children used as sex objects is deplorable. WHO as a parent would allow their daughter to work in such a place. And yes, what about L&I, these people could be badly burned.
It's a sadly corrupt world where humanity is only worth something is "sex" is being portrayed in some way. Sex is not a way of life, but a small part of life.

"And when it comes to sex offenders, stimulating them at a booth could lead to another person being raped."

here we go, blame others for what a rapist does. It's the clothes she is wearing, its the way she looked at me, its blah blah blah. A rapist will find a reason whether a person is wearing clothes or not. Some will act because he/she may be wearing a certain completely clothed outfit. Do we ban skirts??
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By making such comments show how little understanding one is on the subject, and the problems society faces in dealing with these deviants.

"it's a sadly corrupt world where humanity is only worth something is "sex" is being portrayed in some way. Sex is not a way of life, but a small part of life."
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so sexuality is 'corrupt'???
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Its scantily clad women selling coffee, thats all. The world is not going to be corrupt because of some breasts or a little cheek showing. Sad thing is how little you have faith in people. your assumption is that people are evil, and any sign of sexiness will drive a person to evil.

ya ever notice that hot women don't complain about this sort of thing?

Oh my - may as well let them strip and offer prostitution - and as long as they are in the sex business (disguised as a coffee vending business) they should be allowed to sell their sex toys in the open too (end sarcasm)

They are being paid because of what they [don't] wear and that makes them sluts. They brag about their tips and they do not see they are in the same business as the strippers at the strip clubs.

All this shows is the sex business continues to prosper as the economy declines - johns will continue to spend money hookers while the legitimate coffee businesses decline. Oh - I forgot - hookers are now called "baristas" and johns will just be called 'customers' as usual

Sexual exploitation of minors is a crime. These children are being used as sexual objects to bring in money (under the guise of selling coffee) These children are less than one step away from stripping for money --- and they see nothing wrong with being paid for sexually stimulating pedophiles? and their parents see nothing wrong with it? These children should be taken away from their parents who are allowing them to be exploited. Anyone who fails to see that this is morally wrong is what is wrong with this country. May G-d judge this wicked nation.

>>>>>But I think this topic goes beyond what a barista wears or doesn't wear. Its the attitude that these women are 'whores', or just strippers, these comments are just a hint of how we feel about nudity and sexuality in this country.<<<

WRONG. These girls are being paid for stripping. People usually go to the beach to enjoy the sun and water - not to get paid for dressing like sluts. Baristas are suppose to be paid for coffee - not to sexually stimulate pedophiles. If you cannot see the difference between being paid for stripping and between enjoying the sun at the beach in a swimsuit (not getting paid for it) then there is something drastically wrong...... I guess you would defend that self professed pedophile for taking pictures of little girls and posting them online?

If there was nothing wrong with what they are doing then they would not object to their pictures being taken. Yet they do not want pictures taken. Why is this? Obviously it is because they know what they are doing is wrong and that they are making their money by dressing like sluts.

None of the coffee shops that have clothed baristas object to having pictures taken of their baristas. Only the slut shops object.

hmmmmmmmmmmmm interesting comments...seems most of them are moral arguments...and have very little to do with the real issue...is it LEGAL or not...if NOT shut them down...if its legal...leave em alone...

JMO
...not many of these down here in the desert SW... sunburn and skin cancer being deadly...actually not many espresso stands at all... having lived in the land of roadside espresso stands it was culture shock..

Female baristas are selling coffee because they have stickers on their boobs is creating a lot of emotion. Unfortunately for some and fortunately for others there are laws and zoning regualtions that apply to these types of businesses. I think that most will agree that this is a form of adult entertainment. These girls (why not men?) are using their sexuality to sell coffee as a means to get more money. If you read the laws in Washington State prostitution falls under the same type of principle!

I really don't care if these women want to expose themselves to their customers. That is not really my concern or anyone else's here. The main issue is that they do it in the proper forum. That is not a coffee shop on the street corner two blocks from an elementary school, across from a bank and near a Catholic Community Services day care program.

Our society has the responsbility to protect children from this type of behavior even if you will not protect your own. If you want to get a full shot of boobs everyday then visit your local strip club!

I don’t understand how an owner of a stand would want to take on such a liability. Do they not see the potential for something really ugly here? Private, stand alone espresso businesses are hit for robberies all the time. You mix that with one or two gorgeous half naked girls working by themselves, creating a daily relationship with their regular customers, and someday, someone is going to try to follow them home. Or maybe they’ll just hang out and wait until they close at night and attack then. I couldn’t imagine putting my employees at risk like that.

Boy had this been a fun read. The gentleman who defends the pasties wearing barista has been intelligent, respectful, well spoken and knowledgeable. The self professed Christian has been emotional, judgmental, insulting and rude. Words I’ve heard from this self professed Christian are whore and skank. I decided to look up these words.

Whore - a woman who engages in promiscuous sexual intercourse, usually for money; prostitute; harlot; strumpet.
Skank - Slang. to dance rhythmically in a loose-limbed manner.
Wow. I don’t drink coffee but I’m now tempted! I had no idea this kind of thing was available at a drive by coffee shop. Just to be clear, this is sarcasm.

I was raised by a woman who taught me that nudity was dirty. I live in a culture that throws beautiful human bodies at me everywhere I turn. Billboards, TV ads and shows, pictures on just about every website I visit. This creates a bit of a dissonance. After many years of asking myself questions about how I was raised and the realities of the culture I live in I’ve made a peace. If our Christian friend is so upset about this and feels so strongly, perhaps visiting these women and laying out an argument might make a difference. I would strongly recommend being armed with facts and not just emotion. I would not want you to go away feeling foolish. I would also ask you to take a look at religious art. Lots of it contains nudity.

Now, if a young girl wants to serve coffee wearing pasties and a g-string then who am I to say she can’t. If I think it is stupid and demeaning I am entitled to my opinion. If I think it is fun and harmless, well, I’m entitled to that opinion as well. But if I think it should be illegal I need to ask myself why. Once people start paying the price for stupidity, the stupidity usually comes to an end. If not, at least it can be seen for what it is. Nothing teaches like experience. Hope you live through it.

As for the poster who brought up shame, what shames you may not shame another. It is subjective. Again, I would encourage you to visit one of these stands and state your opinion. Find out what these women have to say. Engage in discussion. Who knows, you may convince them to change. You may, if you come with an open mind and have explored your own reasons for why you feel the way you do, find that it’s only a big deal because you have made it one.

Me, I don’t visit these places because I don’t drink coffee. Really. Not for over 11 years. I think coffee is bad for me. I’m not out here telling you all that you should not drink coffee because I think it’s bad for me and therefore bad for you as well.

For those of you worried about the moral decline of the country may I politely suggest you police what your children watch on TV and who they hang around with and how their parents raise their children. The biggest problem with our society today is not pasties wearing baristas’. It’s inattentive parents. In my opinion.

Oh, lastly, what do you tell your five year old if they see this on the side of the road and ask? How about, “She needs to do laundry?” Make a joke of it. Make them laugh. You’ll be doing them a big favor if you don’t make it a big deal.

Bern....BRA-VO! Wonderful points, great thoughts! Refreshing, and well-thought out post!

(oh, and there's NO double entendre with the "bra-vo" and "wonderful points" statements -- just to be clear about that and keep the overly zealous at bay!)

I think I need to go "do laundry" now. :-)

Ok so I'm not a middle age woman,I'm a fit attractive 24 YO latina.So that nixes the jealous old woman bit.Heres what I find offensive about this having been a barista and a cafe owner for two years.These girls first off are around the ages of 16-18 maybe a few years above.Most take the job as an after school or summer job. We dont allow minor to work at strip clubs,sex shows etc.Why the hell are we letting them "strip"down to scarcely there panties for customers? You want porn buy a playboy dont gawk at children whom apparently dont know any better then to be "naked" for strange middle age men. Hmm secondly my child doesnt even see me in my panties because at four years old thats not appropriate.Every idiot out there whom says just police what your child see's either has no children or they dont care what their kids see.If I took my child or nephews through there I would be royally pissed to see stripped down little girls behind the counter. I mean gee why dont I just go buy a porn for the 14 year old nephew. It would be the same. And dont say just dont patronize that coffee shack because they often dont post signs or warnings.Also for the dolt whom suggested just "make a joke" of it to your kids, some of us have kids old enough to know better. Telling them "she needs to do laundry" isnt going to seem like a joke to them. Its going to embarass them to see a near naked 17 yo serving them their smoothie.Thirdly, hygiene paople!Are you really so T/A deprived that you want to go to a place where the little girl picks her wedgey from her ass then fixes your drink?!?!? The health department would have something to say about that I would imagine. Enough on that since if you dont see my point your not a clean enough person to understand it. And last but not least:You shouldnt have to have near naked children serving your product to have a good business.Whatever happened to having a well trained barista make a cup of excellent coffee?That used to be how the best of the best stayed in business.You should have great prices and even better coffee.Then you can have even the ugliest old hag serving it and business would still be booming.I'm getting increasingly annoyed with these shacks even here in spokane that have young pretty girls serving substandard coffee.Looks dont sell or keep a product in business its a great product that does so.Maybe if the people whom work at and run such businesses now would understand that if they knew how to run a business that is more then a roadside T/A stand.
One final note,no I'm not a stick up my ass christian harping on morality.I'm a wiccan.Also I am now a social worker the is married to a cop.There are worse things out there to be policed definitely I know.I work with it all the time.But social and moral decay only needs one seed to start. When people accept this as okay whats next?,It being okay for the 30-40 yo men that ogle these little girls to date and sleep with them?

Very good post Bern.
Someone said some need to attend SAA. Why? Have you assumed because we are not hung up on the negatives about sex we are sexual addicts? Sorry to delude but i have personally been celibate for almost 3 years now. Just a personal choice. Hey there is a wild thought...personal choice.

keep seeing the ages of 16 to 18 as the age of the girls who work in these stands. In the area I live in there was one such stand. Was a mother and daughter who worked together and yes I did have issues with that one. But I really do have to question how many of the young ladies working in these stands are under the age of 18. My guess would be very very few.
And once more the health department in the county i live in does check these stands without warning to make certain regs are followed. To those worried about the picking a wedgey have you ever thought or questioned did the person who is fully clothed washed after using the restroom? Again can only speak from the one i visited often but I saw the young lady wash her hands after each order. Money is filthy you know.

When will the government of Seattle stop supporting the sexual sickery of gay pride day?

I went to a stand one time, girl was in a Bikini.
She looked great, however I was embarrassed. Not for her just in General, I left feeling dirty and like some old perv. I was 31 at the time (married w/ Kids). I have a teen daughter and for some reason it just made me feel guilty/perverted. So that was the one and only time. That coffee cost me about $5.50.
I found a new stand, fully clothed woman, coffee is GOOOD and costs $3.50.
I go to get coffee for coffee, not for a show.
However there are some guys that want that, I dont want to hold you back from that.
So what can we do to keep the stands and not upset so many people?
Have your stand, I wont go there.

The coffee place I go to has fully clothed workers. One told me the other day how glad she was of it, and showed me her hand. It was wrapped up in a bandage; she had been burned on the job and if she hadn't been wearing her apron, it would have been a lot worse (in more sensitive areas). So safety does factor in. How much? I don't know, but it is a factor.

But basically, if you don't like it, don't go. If these businesses are prospering, there's no way they are going to slack off the sex factor.

Dolt? Don’t have children?
I can see why some women would think this is demeaning. Why tie up our local government with this nonsense? Go picket. Talk to the workers. Boycott the owners. Do something yourselves. Why must the government be brought in? To protect people from doing something stupid? To protect kids? Hygiene? You can’t legislate stupid. You can’t protect people from bad decisions. My kids have made them throughout their lives. But I’ll tell you this; we knew what they were watching on TV, and it was not MTV or those trash sitcoms that bring sexual comedy into the home. We knew who they were hanging out with and what their parents were like. I don’t write letters, I pay attention. Ever wonder what the parents of these kids are like? Take it up with them. And are they really 16, 17? Is this a fact? I don’t know. I doubt that’s the majority. I would say quit getting others to fight your battles. If you don’t like it, take it up with the owners and employees. Let the government spend their time putting our money to better use.
Better still, ask yourselves why you care. Is there really one of these shops two blocks away from an elementary school? The only one I’ve seen states sexy baristas. It’s on 99, nowhere near a school. My complaint is that in trying to look in I took my eyes off the road. I have an issue with that. Guess what, I don’t look anymore.
To the poster who said what happened to good coffee and good service, open your eyes, sex sells. It sells everything. Seen those skin cream ads on TV? Has your kid? My goodness, that stuff is WAY more provocative then a woman in pasties slopping coffee around. As for hygiene, others have covered that pretty well. As a former restaurant worker and one time janitor believe me when I say at least you can see what these women are doing. Do you think, for one moment, that a fully clothed barista doesn’t pull clothing out of their crotch? Are you sure they launder what they are wearing? And as for men doing this, if it made sales better, it would be happening. It just so happens that men are visually stimulated more than women. Sales people know this and pray on it. If anyone should be offended by this it’s men. Our basic nature is being taken advantage of. We are being preyed upon.

Grow up people. Live in the real world. Fight for something that matters. Nudity is natural to everyone. Demonize it at your own peril.

Dolt - a dull, stupid person; blockhead. One of the things I love about the internet is the bravery of being out of range. Choose your insults wisely. If you don’t agree with me that’s fine. If you wish to insult me, use a moniker that’s better fitting. No one who knows me would call me dull (I’m rather entertaining (and not usually prone to tooting my own horn)) stupid or a blockhead. I’m open to intelligent conversation and willing to change my point of view when good points are made in a discussion. And I can insult. I am being respectful. I don’t have to be. It’s called self restraint. Look up the definition yourself. You may learn something.

"Fight for something that matters. Nudity is natural to everyone. Demonize it at your own peril."

some good points Bern. But for many, unfortunately, nudity is not natural for most in our society and must be fought. That is why places like these are popular. It is considered taboo to see a womens bare breast. Like someone stated, even the idea of a woman breast feeding in public brings rage and demonizing of people. Seems like most here would rather deal with a couple of gals and some pasties instead of dealing with an overall problem with our portrayal of sex and nudity in this country.
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My God, we even have posters here who are afraid to be in their underwear in front of their own kids. And we wonder why children have such a low self esteem of their bodies when their own parent is afraid of their body.
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Earlier I posted some stats on how many european countries don't have many of our problems when it comes to sexual deviants, teenage pregnancy, and other issues dealing sexuality... but instead of having a discussion about how and why that is, many here responded by just stating that these baristas were 'sluts'. Seems like we have a long way to go before we can even have a discussion on this topic going past name calling.

Amen JamminJ.
When I was in France the beach I was on was public and topless. I was 16 and . . . overwhelmed. I seemed to be the only one who noticed. After two days it meant nothing. Nice boobs? Same as nice hair and nice legs. Protect children from threats, predators and hazards. Don't scar them about their own firkin' bodies. I say it again, grow up.
A man I respect took his children to nude beaches. He did not want them to grow up ashamed. His kids, now in their forties, are fine adults, well adjusted and great parents themselves. Man, this imposed morality gets me wound up. All this cry about hygiene. Good gravy, if that is your concern, don't order anything. Vote with your $'s.

"The intent here is to sell coffee..."
YES Mike...the "intent" is to sell coffee...then if it is that good, why must the pasties be included?!? People are saying it's not about sex...please enlighten me...if it's not "sex" they are selling also, then why the pasties and the thongs? Bottom line here is, they need to let people know what they ARE selling and put some nice naturl barriers or a fence up so that no one can see it from the road...

Again, it's not about jealousy, it is not about being embarrassed...it's about exploitation of women...again I say, if the purpose is to sell coffee...and the coffee is so good, then there is no need for the extra cream. (Sorry, I couldn't resist.) Not everyone is as prudish, embarrassed, or jealous as some of you would like to think.

if you don't like it you are mabe gay.

Have you ever been to a coffee shop in the carribean on a beach? The woman are in bikinis and no one complains. The coffee stands in washington with bikini baristas are just bringing the island lifestyle to washington. I dont understand why people are so uptight about the human body.

You liberal thinking people really crack me up. If it's good for you it's gotta be okay and to hell with what is truely the right thing for all.

Sex and nudity is a part of life that holds in almost every person's life. But there is a time and place for such things and you wacko's don't quite understand that the market place (or coffee bistro) is not one of them. That doesn't make me gay just because I am against the pasties in a bistro. I really resent that remark.

I think L&I should be all over this because of the workplace hazzardry of being burned. Nudity is regulated in strip clubs, what makes you think it should be free reeling in a coffe drive up? All of this stupid, free, liberal thinking is what is fouling up this country. You all use the constitution like it were an aspirin to fix everything. I've got news for you, you aren't as smart about it as you think.

All I can say is WOW. That last comment shows the level of intellect that this country can muster, and that is a real shame. Go ahead, just focus on pasties and strip clubs, of course thats the REAL issue. sad. :(

Don't bring up level of intelect to me. All the people that think this display of nudity is a fine thing in public are the real ones lacking intellect. Oh. One more thing. This isn't France, this is the United States. We out shine them by a long shot. We do not have to be like them.

"We do not have to be like them."
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Well, in one regards we are nothing like them.
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The US teen pregnancy, abortion, and teen birth rate is one of the highest in the world.

So yes, banning a couple of pasties is going to solve that. how ignorant can we as a country be.

"In the United States, the teen pregnancy rate is more than nine times higher than that in the Netherlands, nearly four times higher than the rate in France, and nearly five times higher than that in Germany."

Yeah, nothing to learn from those stupid europeans.

"In the United States, the teen birth rate is nearly 11 times higher than that of the Netherlands, nearly five times higher than the rate in France, and nearly four times higher than that in Germany."

11 TIMES HIGHER!!!

Yeah. And it's because people stick up for these little girls that are putting on sexual displays like in this topic. The only reason we have the highest teen pregnancy rate is because of the temptations laid out in front of our children all the time.

Kevin,
"If you don't like it then maybe you are gay?"
Now THERE is a voice of ignorance. So, what you are saying is anyone who does not appreciate the virtual nudity of these women are gay? Now there's an intelligent rationale if ever I saw one. Really smart Kevin...and what level of education are you at?

I wouldn't call them sluts or whores...trashy? Yes...Sluts and whores? No.

Jammin,

And with your stats, I would be curious to know what the ABORTION rate is. And if contraceptives, i.e. the pill, are given out more readily because I believe the medicine in these countries are socialized....therefore, less pregnancies because abortion is more acceptable and contraceptives are more readily available to teens....hmmmmmm?

If this is so, then your theory has been blown out of the water.

"Abortion

In the United States, the teen abortion rate is nearly eight times higher than the rate in Germany, nearly seven times higher than that in the Netherlands, and nearly three times higher than the rate in France."
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1. Ventura SJ et al. Trends in pregnancy rates for the United States, 1976-97: an update. National Vital Statistics Reports 2001;49(4):1-10.
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2. Singh S, Darroch JE. Adolescent pregnancy and childbearing: levels and trends in developed countries. Family Planning Perspectives 2000;32(1):14-23.
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3. Rademakers J. Sex Education in the Netherlands. Paper presented to the European Study Tour. Utrecht, Netherlands: NISSO, 2001.

Also, US teenagers typically have more sexual partners than their counterparts in europe.
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oh yeah, and they have much more presence of sexuality and nudity in their ads, their beaches, in public and aren't freaked out about breast feeding.

so seeing some breasts will make you sexually active??? don't think so.

Uh, Jammin,
When presenting stats, you need to present ones that are current...I don't believe 1997 and 2001 are very current. Also, you did not represent the stats in regards to Europeans using contraception...I may be wrong, haven't checked, but they probably have a higher rate of contraceptive use AND i would even fair to say that Europeans are just as, if not MORE sexually active than Americans...considering it's very "free" in Europe.

By the way Jammin, I never said that looking at boobs makes one more sexually active.

There is a double standard here...if it's not about sex, then WHY the pasties?

well, if you are going to refute the studies, at least present some evidence. There are some polls showing that there is has been a slight decline in us teenage pregnancy between 2005 and 2006.

"the proportion of sexually active teenage men and women ages 18 to 19 that had two or more sexual partners within the past year is substantially higher in the United States than in France."

Darroch JE et al. Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health: A Developed Country Comparison. New York, NY: The Alan Guttmacher Institute.

Pam souns like a hysterical, paroanoid housewife that needs to get a life!

Her husband probably uses these stand on a
daily basis!

I believe that the teen pregnancy statistics slamming the US come from the fact that there are over 12 million illegal aliens in this country and they get pregnant left and right in order to secure a spot within our borders. I don't believe that our rates would be all that high otherwise.Plus the fact that they are handed free medical care when they cross the borders. But.... as I said, WE ARE NOT FRANCE.

"I don't believe that our rates would be all that high otherwise."

wow, thanks for all that evidence.

Here I did some homework for you:

"Sarah Brown, CEO of the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, says that data released in December 2007 show a 3% increase in the teen birth rate between 2005 and 2006, the first increase in the teen birth rate in 15 years." (for latina teens)"

some 2006 statistics for the US:
Births per 1,000 women Ages 15-19
"Black women have the highest teen pregnancy rate (134 per 1,000 women aged 15-19), followed by Hispanics (131 per 1,000) and non-Hispanic whites (48 per 1,000)."

Frances birth rate statistics:
French teen girls between ages 15-19 had 9.4 births per 1000.

so by just focusing on the non-hispanic populace, the US has france beat by a landslide when it comes to teenage pregnancy.

Care to look at Denmark or germany??

That isnt what this blog is about so who cares? Get a life.

I would differ with you Whocares. The concern that other posters had brought up was that this kind of public indecency was polluting our youth. Jim simply put up some facts that dispelled that theory. It is, in fact, pertinent to any discussion of this sort.
To the poster who lays all the faults of our society at the feet of liberals, how much of your liberty will you see stripped away before you question what goes on around you? Have you seen theocratic states? If you are down on liberals I can only assume that makes you a conservative. Look at the founders of this country. A majority of the signers of the constitution were liberals. The conservative faction of the time was against independence.
Personally, I don’t think scantily clad baristas is a good idea. However, I will fight for someone’s right pastie up and serve mocha. I will also fight for someone’s right to speak out against it. I think it is a ridiculous idea to bring the government into it.
As a result of this discussion I have been tempted to interview the women who work in these places. Get some stats. Age. Family life. Education. Plans. I wish I had the time. I also don’t care enough. Obviously there are some of the posters here who do. Take up that mantel. Go investigate. See if the facts back up your emotional response.

"That isnt what this blog is about so who cares?"
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Sorry, I apologize, didn't realize that you were the blog monitor.
.
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"Get a life."
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Actually I have a great life. Thanks for your concern though. At least I'm not paranoid about pasties and expect big government to protect me.

When will Big Brother flex it's might during The Solstice Parade in Fremont???????????
NO pasties there!

"At least I'm not paranoid about pasties and expect big government to protect me."

Did I say if I am for or against it? No. So dont act like you know how I feel about it. Personally I dont care but I have worked as a barista and know how hot the drinks are and how badly it would burn if you arent wearing clothes or protection, thats all I think about but if they want to burn their bodies then thats cool.

So, it finally happened...a guy shows up, flashes himself and gets a face full of boiling water. I knew it was coming...it finally did. What did they expect? Personally, if there is nothing wrong with sporting nearly nothing for more tips...then why is it wrong that this guy flashed her? Kind of a double standard here...don't ya think?

Expect the worst when you behave the worst.

The flasing could have happened regardless, there are too many idiots roaming around.
Flashers have been around for years, you say it like its a new thing.