The Madison Street Pavilion Defense
An amusement park proprietor fights back against city efforts to revoke his liquor license.
The story, cleaned up
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J. F. McCay, proprietor of the Madison Street pavilion, has written a firm defense against Mayor Ronald’s recommendation to cancel his liquor license. The Mayor alleged that minors were getting drunk on the premises and that the resort attracted disorderly persons. McCay argued that the park is private property and an 'attractive place' featuring wild animals, pleasure boats, and concerts by the 'finest military band in the Northwest.' He claimed his guests are welcome whether they drink or not, and that any presence of 'lewd women' is an issue for the police to regulate on all public streets, not just his park. He emphatically denied serving minors, stating he would discharge any employee caught doing so. He dismissed the Mayor's claims as 'illogical' and insisted that his resort’s popularity is a sign of a well-regulated business, inviting city officers to inspect his establishment at any time.
“But surely it is ill-bred that such guests who do not drink should complain because others of my guests do.”
The tension between vibrant nightlife venues and municipal efforts to curb 'disorder' or protect minors is a perennial feature of Seattle's growth, echoing ongoing debates about alcohol and public space management in neighborhoods like Capitol Hill or Ballard.
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