Wisam1, Inc. v. Ill. Liquor Control Commission

This case presents question as to whether Local Liquor Control Commissioner properly revoked plaintiff’s liquor license, after finding pursuant to parties’ stipulation that plaintiff’s manager had violated section 3-28 of Peoria ordinance prohibiting plaintiff’s employee from violating any federal statute, when manager obtained federal conviction for illegal cashing of checks that formed part of plaintiff’s business. In its petition for leave to appeal, plaintiff argued that revocation hearing was sham because hearing officer precluded it from introducing any evidence, and because revocation decision was based only on federal transcripts relating to manager’s criminal conviction. Appellate Court found that plaintiff failed to establish prejudice arising out of any lack of due process, where plaintiff had entered into stipulation to admit federal transcripts, and where other evidence, including plaintiff’s offer of proof, supported instant revocation. (Dissent filed.)