Larkin v. Grendel’s Den, Inc.

Summary

The Court affirmed the judgment holding that Massachusetts General Laws § 16C violates the Establishment Clause because it delegates to churches discretionary governmental authority to veto liquor-license applications within 500 feet of the churches. Although the statute serves valid secular purposes, its standardless delegation gives religious institutions substantial governmental power, creates the appearance and reality of joint religious-governmental authority, and risks advancing religion and excessive entanglement. Justice Rehnquist, dissenting, would have upheld the statute as a flexible zoning measure designed to protect churches and schools from liquor-related disruption.