Austin Liquor License Dispute 1878
• Unlicensed Liquor Sales Challenge: Licensed liquor dealers protested the city council's decision to allow Ch. A. Olsen to sell alcohol without a license, arguing it was unfair competition. The council agreed to halt Olsen's license pending further review.
• Public Health Report: The city's physicians submitted a sanitary conditions report warning Austin was vulnerable to epidemics and offering recommendations for improvement. The council ordered the report printed for public distribution.
• Council Action: Six aldermen were present at the meeting, establishing a quorum to conduct business on these two main items before adjourning.
Full Transcript
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Called meeting of City Council Austin, Texas, August 16, 1878 Mayor Dc Gro[illegible] presiding. Roll Called. Present Aldermen Croaker, Millett, Motz, Plits, Sheehan and Strong. 6. Quorum Present. The following business was transacted. Messrs Penderter and Sued Attorneys of the licensed retail liquor dealers of the city of Austin, presented a petition protesting against the action of the Council in granting Ch. A. Olsen the privilege of retailing liquor without license. On motion the Mayor was instructed to withhold the first license granted to the said Olsen until the further action of the Council. The City Physician presented a report signed by the physicians of Austin relating to the sanitary condition of the city, its liability to follow from epidemics and making certain recommendations. The report was read for the information of the Council and on motion was ordered printed. On motion the Council adjourned. Approved Oct. 7 1878 L. M. Bradley City Clerk.