Construction has started on Scofflaws Book Club, a new speakeasy-themed bar that’s planned to open in the historic Legion Building, at 108 N. Washington downtown. 

Owner Brian Herkey says the business, which takes its name from the Prohibition-era term “scofflaw” meaning a person who drinks illegally, will market to downtown professionals looking for a quiet atmosphere.

“We plan to serve prohibition-style drinks with modern infusions, craft cocktails, and high-end whiskey,” he says. “We’d like to be open by sometime in mid-July.”

He says the business will occupy a 1,200-square-foot leased space that was designed by Spokane-based HDG Architecture and is being built out by True Temper Building LLC, of Mead.

“The space is small enough that I can manage operations mostly on my own, but we’ll have at least two employees at all times,” he says. “We don’t have a kitchen, but we do plan to work with a local catering company to offer snacks and events like whiskey and wine dinners.”

Herkey says the space will also include shelves for books that guests will be able to share and exchange, in the style of a free library. He also hopes to create a hidden bookshelf-style entrance to the bar, if fire codes allow.

“I thought it’d be really cool have like a “hidden” book people pull in order to come inside,” he says. “We’ll also offer our regular guests and people who’ve supported us a ‘library card’ that would allow for discounts and specials.”