Bremerton cracks down on baristas in pasties

Bremerton cracks down on baristas in pasties »Play Video
A barista works at the Chicagoland espresso stand in a bikini top after the city banned pastie attire. (Photo courtesy of Kitsap Sun)
BREMERTON - City officials have cracked down on an espresso stand after receiving numerous complaints alleging that baristas there were serving beverages while wearing pasties.

Employees of the stand, Barista’s Chicagoland Café at 601 Naval Avenue, were ordered to cover up their breasts or the owner would face serious consequences.

A spokesman for the city said wearing pasties in public is an illegal "lewd act" in Bremerton.

He said two police officers independently confirmed that the baristas were wearing pasties, in violation of the law.

No citations have been issued at this time, and the city has been informed that the baristas are now wearing bikinis or other similar attire which is not in violation of any city code.

It's the second espresso stand to be threatened with legal action this week over baristas' skimpy attire.

Mason County officials said scantily clad baristas at a newly opened Belfair espresso stand were erotic entertainers and would have to go.

The Mason County Board of Commissioners sent the owners a letter saying the coffee stand is not zoned for erotic entertainment. The owners said they didn't expect the backlash and would comply with regulations.