Oshkosh sues to recoup pub crawl costs

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OSHKOSH, Wis. (AP) — The city of Oshkosh is suing a man it says is responsible for a costly pub crawl organized without a permit.

Oshkosh Northwestern Media reports the city filed a small claims lawsuit against Joseph Kubiak for money it spent on police patrolling and other services during the Oshkosh Pub Crawl in April. The city is seeking about $3,800 for outstanding costs and $1,000 for violating the city’s special events rules.

Kubiak tells the Northwestern he will dispute the claim because he didn’t organize this year’s pub crawl. He says he sold pub crawl T-shirts “with no strings attached.”

However, the city maintains its claim that Kubiak is responsible because he has organized and obtained permits for past pub crawls.

“Kubiak’s knowledge and understanding of the city’s special events ordinance based on his prior experience can only lead to the conclusion that his failure to obtain a special event permit was willful and deliberate,” the lawsuit states.

Kubiak has already paid the city $2,000 of a $5,800 bill for the event. He has until July 30 to respond to the lawsuit.

The city may also bill the participating taverns.

Information from: Oshkosh Northwestern Media, http://www.thenorthwestern.com