July 8, 2015

Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Voids Town Ban on Drinking While Watching




[From article]
The town of Mendon can’t ban alcohol at strip clubs because its restriction is too broad and violates the Massachusetts Constitution, the state’s highest court ruled today.
Showtime Entertainment was barred from selling alcohol at its prospective strip club after the town enacted bylaws “restricting the service of alcohol” in its adult entertainment district. The Supreme Judicial Court said the ban was overbroad and violated the state’s version of the First Amendment.
The SJC agreed that the town presented enough evidence to show that adult entertainment paired with alcohol would lead to increased crime. But, it ruled that the bylaw was too broad and thus unconstitutional.
[. . .]



The SJC ruling is the latest victory for Showtime. A federal appeals court ruled in favor of the company, indicating that limitations on the physical plant and operating hours were unconstitutional, The federal court sent the alcohol question to the SJC because it involved the interpretation of state law.

http://www.bostonherald.com/news_opinion/local_coverage/2015/07/sjc_rules_town_of_mendon_can_t_ban_booze_at_strip_clubs

SJC rules town of Mendon can’t ban booze at strip clubs
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
By: Bob McGovern
Boston Herald

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