Document: 409 U.S. 109 93 S.Ct. 390 34 L.Ed.2d 342 CALIFORNIA et al., Appellants,v.Robert LaRUE al. No. 71-36. Argued Oct. 10, 1972. Decided Dec. 5, Rehearing Denied Feb. 20, 1973. See 410 948, 1351. Syllabus Following hearings, the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control issued regulations prohibiting explicitly sexual live entertainment and films in bars other establishments licensed to dispense liquor by drink. A three-judge District Court held invalid under First Fourteenth Amendments, concluding that standards laid down this some prescribed could not be classified as obscene or lacking a communicative element. Held: In context, censoring dramatic performances theater, but licensing nightclubs sell drink, States have broad latitude Twenty-first Amendment control manner circumstances which may dispensed, here conclusion sale drink lewd naked should take place simultaneously was irrational nor prophylactic solution unreasonable. Pp. 114—119. 326 F.Supp. 348, reversed. L. Stephen Porter, San Francisco, Cal., for appellants. Harrison W. Hertzberg, Los Angeles, Kenneth Philip Scholtz, Gardena, appellees. Mr. Justice REHNQUIST delivered opinion Court. 1 Appellant Kirby is director Control, an administrative agency vested Constitution with primary authority alcoholic beverages State, suspend revoke any such license if it determines its continuation would contrary public welfare morals. Art. XX, § 22, Constitution. Appellees include holders various licenses appellant, dancers at premises operated licensees. 1970 promulgated rules regulating type might presented licensed. then brought action United Central provisions 28 U.S.C. §§ 1331, 1343, 2201, 2202, 42 1983. court convened accordance 2281 2284, majority substantial portions conflicted Amendments Constitution.1 2 Concerned progression few years' time from 'topless' 'bottomless' forms 'live entertainment' licensed, heard number witnesses on subject hearings prior promulgation rules. The described testimony these words: 3 'Law enforcement agencies, counsel owners investigators testified. story unfolded sordid one, primarily relating conduct between customers. . .' 352. 4 References transcript submitted indicated where dancers, nude entertainers, displaying acts were shown, numerous incidents legitimate concern had occurred. Customers found engaging oral copulation women entertainers; customers engaged masturbation; placed rolled currency either directly into vagina female entertainer, bar order she pick up herself. Numerous contact mouths male vaginal areas performers reported 5 Prostitution occurred around premises, involved dancers. Indecent exposure young girls, attempted rape, rape itself, assaults police officers took immediately adjacent premises. 6 At evidence, challenged, imposing Those unconstitutional prohibited following kinds premises: 7 (a) performance acts, simulated 'sexual intercourse, masturbation, sodomy, bestiality, copulation, flagellation are law'; 8 (b) actual 'touching, caressing fondling breast, buttocks, anus genitals'; 9 (c) 'displaying hair, anus, vulva 10 (d) permitting licensee 'any person remain upon who exposes view portion his her genitals anus'; and, companion section, 11 (e) pictures depicting quoted above. Rules 143.3 143.4.2 12 Shortly before effective date Department's appellees unsuccessfully sought discretionary review them both State Appeal Supreme California. joined requesting decide merits appellees' claims Federal Constitution.3 13 upheld claim question unconstitutionally abridged freedom expression guaranteed It reasoned state justified prohibition obscenity Roth line decisions (Roth v. States, 354 476, 77 1304, 1498 (1957), else regulation 'conduct' having element O'Brien, 391 367, 88 1673, 20 672 (1968). Concluding called cases, governmental interest being furthered did meet tests enjoined regulations. 348. We noted probable jurisdiction. 404 999, 92 559, 30 551. 14 challenged come us, context rather Joseph E. Seagram & Sons Hostetter, 384 35, 41, 86 1254, 1259, 16 336 (1966), said: 15 'Consideration law intoxicating must begin Amendment, second section provides that: 'The transportation importation Territory, possession delivery use therein liquors, violation laws thereof, hereby prohibited." While they general power, require no specific grant legislate respect matters traditionally within scope sweep has been recognized conferring something more than normal over health, welfare, Hostetter Idlewild Bon Voyage Liquor Corp., 377 324, 330, 84 1293, 1297, 350 (1964), reaffirmed reason 'a totally unconfined traditional Commerce Clause limitations when restricts intoxicants destined use, distribution, consumption borders.' Still earlier, stated Board Young's Market Co., 299 59, 64, 57 77, 79, 81 L.Ed. 38 (1936): 17 'A classification Twenty-First cannot deemed forbidden Fourteenth.' 18 These go so far hold say supersedes all area Wisconsin Constantineau, 400 433, 91 507, 27 515 (1971), fundamental notice hearing requirement Due Process applicable Wisconsin's statute providing posting names persons excessive drinking. But case upholding covered undoubtedly strengthened enactment: 19 'Both parts same Like Constitution, each considered light other, issues interests stake concrete case.' supra, 332, S.Ct., 1298. common struck appears dancing cocktail lounges responsibility. Based evidence cited Court, mindful principle legislative rulemaking particular general, Assigned Car Cases, 274 564, 583, 47 727, 733—734, 71 1204 (1927), we do think can said one. 21 insist results accomplished requiring patrons already well way intoxication excluded wide choice means accomplish permissible end accorded itself repository State's power Amendment. 48, 1262. Nothing record us experience compels self-discipline part customer self-regulation bartender relied secure compliance alternative plan regulation. instead one required own personnel judge individual instances inebriation cannot, therefore, unreasonable holdings our cases. Williamson Lee Optical 348 483, 487—488, 75 461, 464—465, 99 563 (1955). 22 disagree Court's determination their face proscribe visual presentation subsequent See, e.g., Sunshine Book Co. Summerfield, 355 372, 78 365, 352 (1958), rev'g per curiam, 101 U.S.App.D.C. 358, 249 F.2d 114 (1957). believe regulatory limited dealing problem confronted limits obscenity, supra. 23 Our cases motion theatrical productions protection Amendments. Burstyn, Inc. Wilson, 343 495, 72 777, 96 1098 (1952), 'included free speech press guaranty Amendments,' though 'necessarily precise governing method expression.' Id., 502—503, 781. Schacht 398 58, 63, 90 1555, 26 44 (1970), productions: 24 'An actor, like everyone country, enjoys constitutional right speech, including openly criticize Government during performance.' 25 mode moves printed page commission themselves violate valid penal statutes, significantly increases. sometimes directed accomplishment declared illegal consists, part, 'action,' Hughes Superior 339 460, 70 718, 94 985 (1950); Giboney Empire Storage Ice 490, 69 684, 834 (1949).4 suggested extent protected depended presence 'communicative element,' stated: 'We accept apparently limitless variety labeled 'speech' whenever intends thereby express idea.' U.S., 376, 1678. substance prohibits displaying, form movies entertainment, 'performances' partake gross sexuality communication. agree least address expression, critical fact across board. merely proscribed Viewed light, conceive somewhat broader This without poorly serve validly seek vindication sort bacchanalian revelries prevent equivalent scantily clad ballet troupe theater. 29 conclusion, embodied regulations, certain dispensation ought occur Given added presumption favor validity requires, Constitution.5 holding therefore 31 Reversed. 32 STEWART, concurring. 33 specify times, places, dispensed borders. 336; 350; Dept. Revenue James B. Beam Distilling 341, 344, 346, 1247, 1249, 1250, 362; Washington, 358 79 116, 106; Ziffrin, Reeves, 308 132, 60 163, 128; Mahoney Triner, 304 401, 58 952, 82 1424; Equalization 38. I suppose, nobody places food served, permitted, gasoline sold. provided shall sold grossly exhibitions performed; appellees, violates agree. Every invading impinging exercise religion. does mean provide bookstores, 200 feet church? not. For interfering activities church business bookstore. simply controlling distribution liquor, every On premise, see how now held, face, Amendments.* 35 understanding join judgment 36 DOUGLAS, dissenting. 37 declaratory judgment, challenging Regulations challenge constitutionality face; application made institution civil criminal proceedings. meets requirements 'case controversy' meaning III complies Aetna Life Ins. Haworth, 300 227, 617, mark impact against licensees can, only deal abstract. draws 'expression' generally accurate; also accurately describes reach closely brigaded. still know broadly narrowly will applied. 39 conceivable produce garden served him play—shakespearean perhaps modern setting—in which, example, 'fondling' sense appears. imagine constitutionally punished restrained, even buttressed Amendment.1 For, supersede 'in regulations.' Certainly play passes muster because performed beer garden. 40 Chief Electric Bond Share SEC, 303 419, 443, 678, 687, 936: 41 'Defendants entitled invoke Declaratory Judgment Act obtain advisory decree hypothetical facts. By cross-bill, defendants provision act unconstitutional. presents controversies never become real. invited enter speculative inquiry purpose condemning statutory effect situations, yet developed, definitely perceived. decline invitation. thought expressed Stone Alabama Federation Labor McAdory, 325 450, 470 471, 65 1384, 1393—1394, 89 1725. Some labor relations too vague uncertain requirements. courts often construe statutes open objections. 1394. He 'by anticipating authoritative construction' 'to unnecessarily rest decision unstable foundation construction bound follow.'2 Ibid. added: 43 'In event parties litigate actually applied definite facts, appellate withhold remedy significance avoid needless questions obstruction domestic policy states forestalling construing applying statutes.' precedents suggest me provident declined give federal ruling, until unless generalized given particularized meaning. 45 BRENNAN, 46 dissent. issue clearly applies through also, doubt, unprotected decisions. Memoirs Massachusetts, 383 413, 975, (1966); points out, however, prohibit directly, speaks conditions granted retained. But, MARSHALL carefully demonstrates Part II dissenting opinion, owner nightclub forgo rights imposed condition license. Perry Sindermann, 408 593, 2694, 570 (1972); Sherbert Verner, 374 398, 83 1790, 965 (1963); Speiser Randall, 357 513, 1332, 1460 (1958). language history authorizes deliberate inhibition protected, distasteful, expression. reason, affirm MARSHALL, 48 my affirmed. pretty possible punish drawn scheme. regulations1 course conduct.2 Cf. Gooding 405 518, 1103, (1972). When viewed, clear overbroad Dombrowski Pfister, 380 479, 486, 85 1116, 1120, (1965).3 Although regulate enforce health safety doubted, exercised stifles freedoms. Shelton Tucker, 364 488, 247, 252, 231 (1960). Rather, clear, '(p)recision touchstone' implicated. NAACP Button, 371 415, 438, 328, 340, (1963). Because am convinced lack precision require, respectfully 49 * outset California's scheme conform previously enunciated obscenity.4 Before American followed rule Regina Hicklin, L.R. Q.B. 360 (1868), vel non piece work judged examining isolated aspects it. Kennerley, 209 F. 119 (1913); Commonwealth Buckley, Mass. N.E. 910 (1909). '(t)he Hicklin test, judging passages most susceptible persons, encompass material legitimately treating sex, rejected restrictive freedoms press.' 489, 1311. Instead, 'taken whole,' Ibid., appeal prurient patently offend community depiction matters, utterly redeeming social value.5 418, 977, (1966). 50 Obviously, standards. They whole speak necessity proving interest, offensiveness standards, value. Instead contextual test approved create system se regardless context: Certain depicted body revealed. thus treat level serious movie 'Ulysses' crudely 'stag film.' ban obviously pornographic photographs, great sculpture antiquity.6 51 years ago suppression communication high price pay vindicate modify today. Indeed, appellants seriously contend Roth-Memoirs test. argue pornography all. rules, argue, strict 52 To support proposition, rely (1968), legislation punishing destruction mutilation Selective Service certificates. O'Brien notion 'an idea,' speech-related 'if Government; furthers important interest; unrelated expression; incidental restriction alleged greater essential furtherance interest.' 376 377, 1678—1679. 53 quarrel principles abstract, stretches beyond breaking point.7 began discussion noting 'plainly abridge face.' himself conceded facially dealt 'with connection speech.'8 375, Here, situation quite different. long makes pictures, unlike draftcard burning, prima facie protection. 'It doubted significant medium ideas. affect attitudes behavior ways, ranging direct espousal political doctrine subtle shaping characterizes artistic importance organ lessened designed entertain inform.' 501, 780, (1952) (footnote omitted). Interstate Circuit, City Dallas, 676, 1298, 225 (1968); Jacobellis Ohio, 378 184, 1676, 793 (1964); Pinkus Pitchess, 429 416 (CA9 1970), aff'd equally divided sub nom. Pinkus, 922, 185, 183 (1970). Similarly, dance have, recent years, afforded (1970); P.B.I.C., Byrne, 313 757 (Mass.1970), vacated consider mootness, 401 987, 1222, 526 (1971); re Giannini, Cal.2d 563, Cal.Rptr. 655, 446 P.2d 535 cert. denied 395 910, 1743, 223 (1969). 54 If, many hold, movies, plays, enjoy protection, follows, ineluctably think, component well. senseless gestures actors prohibit. allow while 'acts' composed newspapers setting type. 55 Of course, anything occurs stage automatically immune No contends, murder legally committed script, actor inject real heroin veins evading drug apply else. once plays standard reviewing shifts dramatically. '(m)ere preferences beliefs respecting convenience personal activities, (they are) insufficient justify diminishes vital' speech. Schneider 147, 161, 146, 151, 155 (1939). restrict show 'used (is) nature present danger (it) bring about substantive evils (the State) prevent.' Schenck 47, 52, 249, 63 (1919). Brandenburg 444, 1827, 430 (1969); Dennis 341 494, 857, 95 1137 (1951).9 56 measured stringent standard, prove woefully inadequate. Appellants defend necessary sex crimes, abuse, prostitution, evils. precisely asserted again justification banning frank consistently rejected. fact, empirical link sex-related activity popularly associated proved indeed, largely discredited. Report Commission Obscenity Pornography Cairns, Paul, Wishner, Sex Censorship: Assumptions Anti-Obscenity Laws Empirical Evidence, Minn.L.Rev. 1009 (1962). Yet concede existed, hardly broadscale attack stop murders drugs abuse directly. secondary nature.10 prostitution those step removed feared harm.11 Moreover, stake, adopt 'less alternative' make compelling demonstration linked stopped. Robel, 389 258, 268, 426, 508 (1967). As Stanley Georgia, 394 557, 566—567 1243, 542 (1969), concerned filmed materials inducing antisocial conduct, private ideas information adhere '(a)mong men, deterrents ordinarily crime education punishment violations ..' Whitney California, 357, 378, 641, 649, 1095 (1927) (Brandeis, J., concurring). knowledge, mere matter ground lead chemistry books manufacture homemade spirits.'12 evident that, developed overbroad: seem suppress outside protected. contends involve liquor. point out requires vigorously falls augmented, involved, Amendment.13 confess find argument difficult grasp. extent, seems premised fashion otherwise impermissible. terms alcohol, intended permit 'dry' flow boundaries despite potential objections.14 (1964). There word indicates Congress meant tamper rights. submit framers astonished discover inadvertently enacted pro tanto repealer Only last Term, Equal Protection Clause. Moose Lodge 107 Irvis, 407 178—179, 1965, 1974—1975, 627 Hornsby Allen, 605 (CA5 1964). loss understand why override Fourteenth. 59 sure, important, deeply embedded history. Colonnade Catering Corp. 397 72, 774, values Indeed past independent restraint Government. 'Freedom press, religion preferred position.' Murdock Pennsylvania, 319 105, 115, 870, 876, 87 1292 (1943). Thus, limitation association reference war categorically attempt. '(The) concept 'national defense" 'cannot justifying promote goal. Implicit term defense' defending ideals set Nation apart. almost two centuries, country taken singular pride democratic enshrined cherished ironic if, name national defense, sanction subversion liberties—the association—which defense worthwhile.' 264, 423—424. New York Times 403 713, 716—717, 2140, 2142 2143, 822 (1971) (Black, concurring); Home Bldg. Loan Ass'n Blaisdell, 290 231, 235, 413 (1934). If ensure very survival, surely limit analysis relevant encroached encroachment occurred, since continue choose fear penalty. somehow different 'privilege' serving 61 absence sanctions immunize attack. contrary, 'this beginning, end, inquiry.' 403—404, 1794, '(i)t late day doubt liberties infringed denial placing benefit privilege.' 404, 1794. pointed '(f)or quarter century, 'right' valuable government deny reasons, there reasons act. basis infringes especially, associations, penalized inhibited.' 597, 2697, 62 benefits,15 unemployment compensation,16 tax exemptions,17 employment,18 admissions,19 mailing privileges20 invalidated none penalties involved. them, citizens left willing 'gratuity' obligation provide. discriminatory privilege burden difficulty proprietors singled informed alone sacrifice gaining true proper enact incidentally alcohol altogether, theaters bookstores special dispensation. event, related hence, rationally perceived penalizing Classifications discriminate stand altogether footing. supported 'compelling' examined insure hostility asserted. Shapiro Thompson, 618, 634, 1322, 600 64 related; discriminates indistinguishable content shows topics maintaining licenses. treated differently. based disfavored viewed gravest suspicion. Cox Louisiana, 379 536, 556—558, 453, 465 466, 471 (1965). Whether derive equal analysis, Police Chicago Mosley, 92, 2286, 212 Niemotko Maryland, 340 325, 267, 280 (1951), supra; (1939), result same: 'no chill assertion unconstitutional.' Jackson, 570, 581, 1209, 1216, 138 argued above, purposes remote satisfy Government's burden, stake. 131—133. suppressing 'indecent' among consenting adults. Thirty-seven Photographs, 402 363, 1400, 1408, (1971). cf. That balanced overriding balance three-pronged door barring intrusion ajar; kept tightly closed opened slightest crack interests.' depart case, brief exceed conferred law. recognized, cognizable suit addition below originally Rule 143.2 topless waitresses, 143.3(2) entertainers perform distance away customers, 143.5 violated local ordinances. withdrew objections conceding 'that waitresses Amendment; ordinances independently depending content; invalid.' 350—351. DOUGLAS suggests adjudicate contention 'generalized meaning.' Since confer jurisdiction stipulation, request foreclose existence 'actual 2201 III, 2, cl. 1, pretrial admitted offered depictions stipulated disciplinary violating similar circumstances, indicated' intent 'present concrete' controversy III. Public Utilities Comm'n 534, 539, 446, action. develop nonjurisdictional actions judgments invalidate properly us. Ashwander Tennessee Valley Authority, 297 288, 480, 80 688 (1936) permitted attacks grounds advanced see, Zwickler Koota, 241, 391, 444 (1967); Keyishian Regents, 385 589, 675, 629 Baggett Bullitt, 360, 1316, inclined reconsider procedural party so. exercised, forbidding sound trucks residential neighborhoods, Kovacs Cooper, 448, 513 (1949), nondiscriminatory parade thoroughfare first permit. Hampshire, 312 569, 762, 1049 (1941). Other 'time, place' sustained. Cameron Johnson, 611, 1335, 182 487 posture necessarily valid. admonition contained 1264, here: 'Although future applications statute) engender problems dimension, enough arise. face. And considered, valid.' empowers total irrationality invidious discrimination assuredly overrides allotted 515; 329—334, 1296—1299, 362. Section reads follows: prohibited.' Even court, leaves unresolved procedure bear questions, dismiss appeal. Rescue Army Municipal 331 549, 67 1409, 1666. 143.3(1) part: 'No simulate: '(a) Sexual '(b) touching, breasts, genitals. '(c) pubic genitals.' 143.4 prohibits: showing film, electronic reproduction, reproductions depicting: '(1) Acts '(2) Any touched, caressed fondled '(3) Scenes wherein displays '(4) artificial devices inanimate objects employed depict, drawings portray, appropriate abstention doctrine. overbreadth, awaiting announced Younger Harris, 37, 746, 669 govern. 248—250, 395—396, Thus far, applicability plaintiff adequate pending prosecution. 43—44, 750. Douglas Jeannette, 157, 877, 1324 Berryhill Gibson, 122, 124 (MD Ala.1971), noted, 920, 2487, are, nature. Hearn Short, 327 (SD Tex.1971). 'have little force proceeding.' Lake Carriers' MacMullan, 406 498, 509, 1749, 1757, 257 (1972) (emphasis added). proceedings kind Finally, rests heavily deference administration 44—45, 750—751, waivable State. 329, 1296, nowhere mentioned attention attorney argument, he expressly eschewed reliance below, specifically asked abstain. 351 (CD Cal.1971). startled majority's suggestion 'specific dimension.' (Quoting approval 1265, Ante, n. 5.) Ever Thornhill Alabama, 310 88, 736, 1093 (1940), trench void 366, 1319, Coates Cincinnati, 616, 1686, 1689, 214 432—433, 337 338, Nor 'sought (bacchanalian revelries)' 'scantily troupe(s).' Whatever 'sought' do, cover activities. praiseworthy motive rehabilitate illicit statute. indications adopted Captain Robert Devin Angeles testified favored adoption new reason: 'While available what formerly behavior, judicial has, series decisions, effectively emasculated effort contain growth Roy June, Attorney Costa Mesa; Richard C. Hirsch, Office County Attorney. App. 117. need rigidly situations. Different children Ginsberg York, 629, 1274, 195 adult possesses putatively home, whole, Rabe 313, 317 993, 995, 258 (Burger, C.J., possibility ultimately protect adults private. Redrup 386 767, 1414, Reidel, 351, 1410, 813 least, sets absolute read Fuller, Changing Society Puts Taste Test, National Observer, June 1972, p. 24: 'Context essence esthetic .. world difference Playboy less pretentious girly magazines hand, Nude, picture selection art, fine teacher interpreter civilization, Clark. People just bodies inherently beautiful, former vulgar, latter, esthetic. words, actions, cheap tawdry book contribute sublimity, comic universality tragic others. viable theory taste, all.' applicable, satisfied. alleges caused punishable 11, infra. drastic prosecution violations, hard 'the essential' further interest. 'does distinguish destruction, expressing views certificates abridges motor vehicle drivers' licenses, records.' obscene. 126—127. stopping actors. However, doubts whether assert Griswold Connecticut, 381 1678, 510 unnecessary plainly themselves, legal done punishes presentation. be, stems audience desire themselves. emphasized unwilling minors. virtually misconduct Calif.Penal Code 647(b) (Supp.1972) (prostitution); 261, 263 (1970) (rape); Calif.Bus. Prof.Code 25657 ('B-Girl' activity); Calif.Health Safety 11500, 11501, 11721, 11910, 11912 (1964 Supp.1972) (sale narcotics). govern one's home. another sense, stronger Stanley. Stanley, prevention crimes restricting materials, follows fortiori repealing Eighteenth provides: text Webb-Kenyon Act, Stat. 699, antedated prohibition. Divesting liquors interstate character cases,' McCormick Brown, 286 131, 140—141, 522, 526, 76 1017 (1932); Clark Western Maryland R. 242 311, 180, (1917). embed permanently explained sponsor Senate floor assure so-called dry proposed write along line. '(T)he proposal guarantee. organized adopted, surrendered commerce. restoring effect, commerce single commodity—namely, liquor.' Cong.Rec. 4141 (remarks Sen. Blaine). Wyman James, 309, 381, Pickering Education, 1731, 811 Baird Bar Arizona, 702, 639 Konigsberg Bar, 353 722, 810 (1957); Schware Examiners, 232, 752, 796 Law Students Civil Rights Research Council Wadmond, 154, 720, 749 366 36, 997, 105 (1961). Blount Rizzi, 410, 423, 498 Hannegan Esquire Inc., 156, 66 456, 586 (1946).

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