News

'Sexpresso' stands serve it up a little too hot

February 06, 2010 Edition 1

EVERETT, Washington: Coffee shops in the Seattle area introduced "bikini baristas" three years ago, hiring attractive young women to serve up steamy espressos and lattes while wearing as little as a G-string and pasties.

But cities are now taking a closer look at the "sexpresso" craze after police investigations revealed that some baristas were serving coffee with a side of something not even legal at many strip clubs.

Five bikini baristas in Everett, north of Seattle, are accused of charging up to $80 (R600) to let customers fondle or photograph them as they put on erotic shows - sometimes in view of passing traffic. They face court dates on prostitution charges later this month.

Undercover officers photographed them spreading their legs while wearing crotchless panties or licking whipped cream off each other's exposed pubic regions.

While such acts may not constitute traditional prostitution, authorities say they met the legal definition of engaging in sexual conduct for a fee.

"This is not Malibu Barbie standing at a coffee stand selling coffee," said City of Everett spokeswoman Kate Reardon. "We had citations for prostitution. That's totally different."

There are now dozens of such shops in the region, with names like Brewlesque, Twin Perks and Java Juggs. They're typically standalone shacks along roads, noticeable for their come-hither signs - like "some like it hot" - and a long line of pick-up trucks at the window. - Sapa-AP