Larkin v. Grendel's Den, Inc.
United States Supreme Court
459 U.S. 116 (1982)
Relevant factsFree
A Massachusetts statute barred businesses within 500 feet of a church or school from obtaining a liquor license if the institution objected; Holy Cross Church (defendant), located across from Grendel's Den (plaintiff) restaurant, objected because 25 licenses already existed in the area, causing the Cambridge License Commission (defendant) to deny Grendel's Den's application. Grendel's Den sued, claiming the delegation violated the Establishment Clause, and the lower courts agreed.
IssueFree
Whether, under the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, a state may delegate legislative decision-making authority to religious institutions.