We are concerned Bellingham residents who have noticed an alarming trend at 1-Up Lounge and Cardhaven, both owned by the same parent company. While 1-Up Lounge is marketed as a video game bar and Cardhaven sells toys and games for children, they both allow for the consumption of alcoholic beverages on their premises. This creates an unsafe environment for children and sends a negative message to the youth in our community.

One of the drinks on the menu at 1-Up Lounge is called "Princess Panties", which is undoubtedly marketed towards children with its cartoonish name. Similarly, Cardhaven's recent Instagram posts advertise "youth" meetups at their location, despite allowing for the consumption of alcoholic beverages on their premises.

Studies show that alcoholism is a widespread health issue that often starts in childhood. It is well-known that the younger a person is exposed to alcohol, the higher their likelihood of having issues with alcohol dependency in adulthood. Additionally, exposing children to sexually explicit material, which can happen at 1-Up Lounge due to the nature of their drink menu and marketing, can have serious adverse effects on their development.

We believe that 1-Up Lounge and Cardhaven are not safe spaces for children and are a bad role model for the youth in our community. We petition to require 1-Up Lounge to change to a 21+ bar and no longer allow children onto their premises.

If you have had an adverse interaction with 1-Up Lounge, Cardhaven or its owners, or you feel strongly about this issue, please file a consumer complaint with the Washington State Attorney General using the links provided.

Let's work together to create a safe and healthy community for everyone.

Washington State Attorney General Complaint Info and Forms: https://www.atg.wa.gov/file-complaint https://fortress.wa.gov/atg/formhandler/ago/ComplaintForm.aspx

If you have any information about alcohol related violations, do not hesitate to file a report with the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.

Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board: Report Violation Form https://lcb.wa.gov/enforcement/report-violation

Stay safe, 

Joe Cockersmith
Concerned Bellingham Resident

March, 9th, 2023