Adult business gets license, but not lease

EVERETT — Three weeks ago, the Everett City Council was discussing a possible moratorium on adult businesses.

That same day, Just for Giggles and Laughs — an adult store — applied for a business license to open at 2934 1/2Colby Ave. next to Mom’s Teriyaki.

Though the business was granted a city license, it has not been granted a lease, Windermere real estate agent Wayne Laxson said.

It’s unlikely Just for Giggles and Laughs will open there, he said.

"I can’t stop people from making offers, but we didn’t come back with a counteroffer," Laxson said.

Windermere manages the property for its out-of-town landlord, Prestige Four Inc.

"For right now, we’re not negotiating. We don’t have any paperwork passing back and forth," Laxson said, adding that he has had several other inquires about the 750-square-foot space. None of the others are adult businesses.

Tammy Melin, who the business license lists as a co-owner of Just for Laughs and Giggles, could not be reached Wednesday for comment about the lease or what kind of products her store would sell.

The issue of restricting the location of adult-oriented stores was brought to the City Council by neighbors opposed to the opening of an adult video store on Everett Mall Way. Neighbors continue to protest Taboo Video because it is near family-oriented businesses and organizations.

Just for Giggles and Laughs would be the first adult store in more than a decade to open downtown, city spokeswoman Kate Reardon said. It also would be Everett’s eighth adult-theme store.

Reardon said the business met all the licensing and zoning requirements for a permit.

"In regard to any business that would locate downtown, we would hope that they would choose very tasteful ways of displaying their business or offering their business to the community," she said.

Just for Giggles and Laughs hoped to open across the street from the Flying Pig restaurant and brewery.

Flying Pig owner Joel Starr, said an adult business would be out of place in downtown Everett.

"I think the city had better take a look at this, and take a look at it right now. It is not an appropriate mix of businesses to add an adult store downtown. Nor is it to add an adult store across the street from a child-care facility," Starr said, referring the Taboo Video.

Starr said he believes in the rights of business owners to sell products or services of their choosing. He also believes customers should be able to shop where they choose.

But he balks at making other business owners or customers uncomfortable.

"Passion and logic should be able to co-exist. I don’t think the picketing and blocking of the entrance is going to change any of the codes," Starr said. "Through due process, if you have a reasonable suggestion and will take it through the proper channels, you will make a difference."

Reporter Jennifer Warnick: 425-339-3429 or jwarnick@heraldnet.com.

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