Charge Graft In Denial of City License

Urbana Courier-Herald September 23, 1935

Flynn Reveals Katsinas' Complaint; "Friend" Wanted Cut in Return For Permit

Controversy between Mayor James D. Flynn and John Katsinas over issuance of a liquor license for the Katsinas buffet on North Hickory street has been livened by a story told by Mr. Katsinas that some one "close to the administration" had attempted to "shake him down" for a percentage of the proceeds of the cafe in return for a license, the mayor has revealed.

The Katsinas buffet has remained closed since its completion a week ago Saturday, because the mayor, in his capacity as city liquor commissioner, has refused Mr. Katsinas a liquor license.

Katsinas has taken an appeal to the tate liquor commission, and a hearing has been set for Friday, Oct. 27, in Springfield.

"In one of our conferences, Mr. Katsinas said that he had been approached some time ago by a person close to the administration with the proposition that, for a per cent of his proceeds, he would be guaranteed a license," the mayor said. "If he didn't submit to the "shakedown", he would be unable to obtain a license," the mayor quoted Katsinas as saying.

"I told him that if he would give me the name of the person who so approached him, and would promise to observe strictly the city ordinances in conducting his establishments, I would give him a license,"' Mayor Flynn said.

Katsinas Backs Away

"He refused both requests, so of course I refused him a license, he said be "would operate his liquor establishments only according to the regulations of the state liquor commission, indicating that he intended to ignore th» city's own ordinances," Mayor Fyns commented.

"I intend to oppose his request for a license before the state liquor commission." Mayor Flynn declared.