On Monday Sumner City Council unanimously passed an ordinance regarding “lewd conduct” in the city.

City Attorney Brett Vinson described it anticipates any businesses similar to the bikini barista stands in Bonney Lake be established in Sumner, although none are presently planned.

“It’s a proactive measure,” Vinson 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 on March 29 and describes lewd conduct “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.