A federal appeals court has ruled in favor of the City of Everett in Washington State in a lawsuit filed by a group of BԪַbikini baristas.BԪַ
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday overturned a lower court judgeBԪַs decision to block the city of Everett from imposing a dress-code on the scantily clad coffee servers.
The three-judge appeals panel said wearing skimpy attire, sometimes just pasties and a G-string, to sell espresso at drive-through coffee stands does not constitute free speech protected by the First Amendment.
Seven baristas and the owner of a chain of the coffee stands called BԪַHillbilly HottiesBԪַ sued in 2017 to block the dress code, and U.S. District Judge Marsha Pechman in Seattle agreed with them.
The panel overturned PechmanBԪַs order. Hillbilly Hotties owner Jovanna Edge has said she will appeal.
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Said the City of Everett in a statement Wednesday afternoon: BԪַThe city is grateful for the Ninth CircuitBԪַs careful and thorough consideration of this case. The courtBԪַs opinion recognized the significant issues that the City has faced and the practical reality of regulating these businesses.BԪַ
- with a file from Stephanie Davey with Black Press Media
The Associated Press
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