Judge Lets Restaurants Kick Out Hells Angels State Court’s Decision Affirms Ruling Made In District Court Last Year

A state judge supports an earlier court ruling giving Spokane restaurants the right to refuse service to Hells Angels wearing their club insignia.

Spokane County Superior Court Judge Neal Rielly, in a written ruling released Friday, says members of the biker gang aren’t a “protected class” under state or federal discrimination laws.

Reilly’s decision completely supports an initial ruling made last June by District Court Judge Mike Padden.

Padden ruled in a suit brought by Hells Angels Donald Rapp, Tim Myers, Evan Barton and Robert Peldo, all founding members of the group’s Spokane chapter.

Barton, who says he’s now out of the Hells Angels, is awaiting sentencing on a federal firearms charge.

Myers awaits trial for a murder that occurred in December at a Hillyard tavern.

The four Hells Angels sued after being refused service at Thudpucker’s, 43 W. Riverside, and The Shed, 1801 N. Division.

Both restaurants posted signs, saying they reserved the right to not serve anyone wearing club or gang insignia.

The Angels contended the restaurants’ refusal to admit them while they wore club patches violated their constitutional rights of free speech and assembly.

Attorneys for the Angels couldn’t be reached to see if they will now appeal to the state Court of Appeals.

Attorney John Perry, who represented the restaurants, also couldn’t be reached for comment.

, DataTimes