Sumner City Council members unanimously passed an ordinance April 19 regarding “lewd conduct” in the city.

City Attorney Brett Vinson said the ordinance anticipates businesses similar to the bikini barista stands in Bonney Lake opening up in Sumner, although none are presently planned.

“It’s a proactive measure,” he said.

Bonney Lake City Council passed a similar ordinance in March of 2009, reacting to opposition to the bikini-barista stands from some members of the public.

Sumner’s ordinance was the topic of a study session March 29 and describes lewd conduct as when someone “intentionally performs a lewd act in a public place or at a place and under circumstances where such act could be observed by any member of the public.”

It adds a new chapter to the Sumner’s municipal code in which lewd conduct is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of no more than $1,000 or imprisonment not to exceed 90 days, or both.

Under the language of the ordinance, lewd conduct includes, but is not limited to, touching, caressing or fondling of the male of female genitals or female breasts over clothing.

Plays, operas and other performing arts are exempt, as are lectures with a scientific or educational purpose as deemed by the ordinance.