Opinion ID: 2232237
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Hodge's Motion

Text: The legal sufficiency of the Currency Exchange's action, including the allegation that it possesses the check as a holder in due course, is admitted by Hodge's motion. The reason asserted for dismissalillegality grounded upon noncompliance with a statutory licensure requirementwas raised properly as affirmative matter and supported by affidavit. The Illinois Plumbing License Law requires that all plumbing, including installation    or extension of drains, be performed by plumbers licensed under the Act. (Ill.Rev.Stat.1989, ch. Ill, pars. 1102(5), (8), 1103.) The affidavits establish that Fentress was not licensed either by the City of Chicago or the State of Illinois. That failure is a violation of the Illinois Plumbing License Law and is punishable as a misdemeanor. Ill.Rev.Stat.1989, ch. Ill, pars. 1103, 1128. Hodge therefore carried the burden of going forward. No counteraffidavit was supplied. For purposes of the motion, the fact that Fentress was not a licensed plumber is deemed admitted. No other matter was presented to refute the defense. No material fact remains to be resolved. The question is simply whether Hodge is entitled, as a matter of law, to a judgment of dismissal in view of the defense asserted under UCC section 3-305.