John H Clark - Olympic Saloon / Theatre / Ring / "Academy of Art" - Liquor License Revoked - Inquirer 16 June 1883

Lippincott's Monthly Magaizine - January 1892

CLARK'S LICENSE REVOKED

The Proprietor of the Olympic Concert Saloon Beaten in Court.  

The case of John H. Clark, proprietor of the Olympic Concert Saloon, at Eighth and Vine streets, against whom a rule had been taken to show cause why his license to sell liquor should not be revoked, was heard in the Quarter Sessions yesterday. In support of the rule it was argued that the saloon was advertised as a place of amusement, and that theatrical exhibitions were given there, a violation of the act of July 9, 1881. On the other hand, it was contended that the place was not kept as a place of amusement, as contemplated by the act of Assembly, inasmuch as Mr. Clark simply gave exhibitions of boxing and dancing, of which he was a professor. The judge decided that the respondent's place came within the meaning of the act, and he accordingly revoked the license. 

The plaintiff in this case is Mr. George K. Snyder, Sr., chief of the Good Ternp'ars' League. He was represented by Moses Veale, Esq, while A S. L. Shields. Esq, appeared for the defendant. In the latter's answer it was admitted that liquor was sold on the premises, but it was not a piece of amusement in the meaning of the act of Assembly; it was an academy of art. To this counsel for the plaintiff presented one of the bill posters, calling attention to an event to come off at the saloon. This was a settler, and the judge at once revoked the license. In the case of Ward & Hastings there was simply a revocation of the license, and nothing farther was done. But in the Clark case further proceedings are to be taken. It was suggested to the judge that a penalty should be imposed for a violation of the act of Assembly, and the answer to that was that the usual course should be taken in the nature of a complaint before a magistrate. This Mr. Snyder intends to do. The second section of the act referred to makes a violation of the provisions a misdemeanor, punishable by fine or imprisonment. 


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