The Town Council's Failed Power Grab Against Palouse Saloons
After local officials revoked the liquor licenses of several saloons due to alleged sales to minors, a judge intervened to force the town to allow the businesses to operate while the dispute played out in court.
Colfax—Judge H. L. Kennan, of Spokane, held court for Judge Chadwick, who is taking a vacation on the coast. The object of his visit was to hear the complaint of the saloonkeepers of Palouse, whose licenses were recently revoked by the city council for the alleged selling of liquor to minors. The saloonkeepers—Henry Lemon, C. Tony Scott, Joseph Haverland, and W. H. Cowan—appeared through their counsel, H. W. Canfield and R. W. McCroskey of Colfax. Judge Kennan granted a writ for review, which was served on the city council of Palouse. The court orders the council to appear in court August 10 to show cause why its action should not be set aside, and also grants the saloon proprietors the privilege of opening and running 'as before the licenses were revoked,' and forbids the council to interfere in the matter.
“The court orders the council to appear in court August 10 to show cause why its action should not be set aside.”
Local government authority over business licensing remains a flashpoint in Washington today, especially regarding zoning and morality clauses. This 1904 dispute illustrates the classic struggle between municipal regulatory power and the protection of local commerce.
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