Last night, the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board issued an “up to 180 days” emergency suspension of Foundation Nightclub’s liquor license. A notice was posted on their front entrance, following what the Seattle Police Department now describes as a multi-location, broad-reaching seizure of “date-rape drug[s], guns, other narcotics” centered around certain staff at the club.
Credit: Sebastian Morton
SPD confirms drug-related arrests of 12 total people, including at least two Foundation employees. We have made the editorial decision to omit their names from this report, but their file currently states they have been denied bail.
According to the SPD blotter, investigations began in March of 2018. “In a series of undercover operations, police purchased cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA, and GHB inside or near the club. All of the drugs were either purchased from employees at the club, including security, or facilitated by employees or managers of Foundation, who introduced undercover officers to dealers.”
Photo: Seattle Police Department
After securing multiple warrants, drugs, firearms, and cash were seized from “several locations.”
SPD claims, “Management was aware of the drug dealing, and one dealer even bragged about knowing the owner, and later explained to an undercover officer how much GHB to use to dose women, depending on their weight.”
The Liquor Control Board’s press release continues, “On multiple occasions officers observed Foundation Nightclub management allow known drug traffickers to bypass security to bring drugs into the club. Management also provided employee uniform apparel to the dealers, used their likenesses in promotional materials, and allowed them free reign of the club’s VIP section.”
It is not clear which members of “management” are referenced.
Foundation has posted an official comment on their Facebook page, communicating with patrons and assuring ticket issues will be handled directly and on a case-by-case basis, while all facts come to light and the matter is resolved through the legal system.
Fans and patrons of Foundation Nightclub, on Wednesday August 9th, our Liquor License was temporarily suspended and the venue will be closed as we work through this issue. We will keep you posted on our status via our social media channels. Ticketholders for upcoming events will be contacted with respect to the ticketed event. We appreciate your patience and are hopeful that we can get back to the music as soon as possible.
Cosmic Gate, set to perform at Foundation on Saturday the 11th, has taken to Twitter to inform guests they will be moving their show to a yet-to-be-determined venue.
Dear #Seattle fans, @lordofthebags @wardellb3 @TrevorTheHorse @jordan_ellas – the show is still going to happen, but looks like we gonna have to move it to another venue. More news soon! – Cosmic Gate Management
— Cosmic Gate (@cosmicgate) August 9, 2018
The SPD investigation remains open and is ongoing.
This story is still developing…if you have information please email us here. This article has been updated throughout the day as information has been confirmed.
Important things happen in Pacific Northwest nightlife, and DMNW will send you alerts!
