Rant: SODA and SOAP Zones

Seattle City Council adopted the creation of Stay Out of Drug Areas (SODA) and Stay Out of Area Prostitution (SOAP) zones are important tools to protect livability in the city.

SODA and SOAP orders are basically restraining orders which authorize the courts to prohibit a defendant from entering a designated areas in the city if they commit a drug-related criminal offense in that zone. Introduced in partnership with City Attorney Ann Davison, the bill provides additional ways to reduce prolific and open drug-related criminal activity in key public areas.

These orders also can also serve as an alternative to jail. A person dealing with anti-social behavior can promise to stay away from areas of concentrated crime and avoid incarceration. SODA and SOAP are tough, yet still offer individuals an opportunity to turn their life around for the better.

City Attorney Ann Davison says, “For the past two years I have heard loud and clear from law enforcement that they need new legal tools to disrupt open-air criminal drug market activity in many areas of our city, and the tragedy of human trafficking on Aurora Avenue North. I have worked on and advocated for these two new ordinances to answer that call. I look forward to partnering with the Seattle Police Department on strategic enforcement to help impacted neighborhoods and protect vulnerable victims. Thank you to the Seattle City Council for stepping up to the moment.”

“We absolutely must do more to disrupt the drug market downtown,” said Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9). “This bill provides an additional tool for doing just that while implementing the recommendation in the City Auditor’s report that we take a place-based approach to drug-related crime to best target our limited police and human service resources.” 

Let’s help people overcome addiction and SODA can help people stay away from negative environments. This law also offers relief to people and businesses in areas dealing with concentrated crime areas.

SOAP zones are a good start with addressing the issues with street walking prostitution. We must stop the exploitation of women and girls. We need to keep those who prey on them out of problem areas.