The State Supreme Court Shuts Down Bremerton Saloons
The high court denies a plea to keep saloons operating, marking a legislative victory over the liquor trade.
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The Washington Supreme Court has denied an application for a writ of certiorari intended to force Bremerton city officials to explain why local saloons should not continue operating under old licenses. The appeal followed a ruling by the superior court of Kitsap County, which quashed the effort on the grounds that the city's actions were legislative rather than judicial. Furthermore, the higher court refused a supersedeas bond that would have allowed the saloons to stay open while the case was heard, noting that the licenses were set to expire on October 1 and the court would not reconvene before that date.
“The higher court holds that this appeal can never be heard upon its merit, since relator's license will expire by its terms.”
This court battle over local licensing power highlights the long-standing friction between municipal governments and the liquor industry in Washington. It serves as a precursor to the statewide prohibition movement that eventually culminated in 1916.
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