Document: 377 U.S. 324 84 S.Ct. 1293 12 L.Ed.2d 350 Donald S. HOSTETTER, et al., etc., Appellants,v.IDLEWILD BON VOYAGE LIQUOR CORPORATION. No. 116. Argued March 23, 1964. Decided June 1, Irving Galt, New York City, for appellants. Charles H. Tuttle, appellee. Mr. Justice STEWART delivered the opinion of Court. 1 The Twenty-first Amendment to Constitution, which repealed Eighteenth, provides in its second section that 'The transportation or importation into any State, Territory, possession United States delivery use therein intoxicating liquors, violation laws thereof, is hereby prohibited.' This appeal requires consideration relationship this provision other provisions particularly Commerce Clause.1 2 appellee (Idlewild) engaged business selling bottled wines and liquors departing international airline travelers at John F. Kennedy Airport York. Its place leased from Port Authority solely as 'an office connection with sale * in-bond liquors.' Idlewild accepts orders only whose tickets boarding cards indicate their imminent departure. A customer gets nothing but a receipt time he gives his order makes payment. liquor transferred directly aircraft on documents approved by Customs, not until arrives foreign destination. 3 beverages sold are purchased it bonded wholesalers located outside State who deal tax-free export. Merchandise ordered withdrawn warehouses Customs documents, copies mailed both Office airport. third sealed copy document given trucker delivers airport after has transported shipment Idlewild's business. contents each recorded Idlewild, withdrawals inventory whenever made, when an entire been sold, these records turned over officials. physical inventory, well transfer trucks premises those aircraft, all times open inspection Bureau Customs. Before commenced operations 1960, inspected explicitly proposed method operations. 4 doing spring 1960. few weeks later, Liquor Authority, members appellants cast, informed upon advice Attorney General York, was illegal under Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, because unlicensed unlicensable law.2 thereupon brought present action injunction restraining interfering business, judgment declaring statute, applied were repugnant Clause and, Supremacy Clause, Tariff Act 1930, had operations.3 5 After lengthy procedural delays,4 three-judge District Court granted requested relief. 212 F.Supp. 376. court expressed doubt Law intended apply such carried manifest irrelevance many law's provisions,5 courts held law inapplicable Free Trade Zone During v. Valente, 267 App.Div. 383, 46 N.Y.S.2d 385. See also Rosenblum Frankel, 279 66, 108 6. In view posture litigation, declined, however, defer deciding merits controversy pending construction statute courts, although recognizing 'a technical application doctrine abstention' would ordinary circumstances counsel course. 6 On concluded, reviewing relevant cases, rendered constitutionally impermissible York's attempt wholly terminate conceded broad power supervise regulate through territory purpose guarding against diversion domestic channels, pointed out 'the neither alleged nor proved so much one bottle plaintiff's merchandise users within state York.' F.Supp., 386. We noted probable jurisdiction, Hostetter B. V. L. Corp., 375 809, 43, 11 46, reasons follow, we affirm 7 hold first did err declining before merits. abstention equitable origins, Railroad Comm'n Texas Pullman Co., 312 496, 500—501, 61 643, 85 L.Ed. 971, that, even involved, 'reference should automatically be made.' N.A.A.C.P. Bennett, 360 471, 79 1192, 1375. Unlike cases appropriate, there here no danger federal decision work disruption legislative scheme regulation.6 therefore accept Court's unwarranted here, where party litigation already long delayed, despite efforts expedite proceedings.7 8 Turning, then, controversy, basic issue face whether far obliterates empower prohibit absolutely passage territory, supervision acting law,8 consumers countries. For disputed if commodity involved liquor, grain lumber, clearly deprive power. Lemke Farmers Grain 258 50, 42 244, 66 458; & N.O.R. Co. Sabine Tram 227 111, 33 229, 57 442; Oklahoma Kansas Nat. Gas 221 31 564, 55 716. 9 made clear early years following adoption virtue totally unconfined traditional limitations restricts intoxicants destined use, distribution, consumption borders. Thus, upholding State's impose license fee importers beer, '(p)rior Twenty-First obviously have unconstitutional imposed privilege. imposition void, direct burden interstate commerce; commerce clause confers right import free state, except Congress may otherwise provide.' Board Equalization California Young's Market 299 59, 62, 77, 78, 81 38.9 same vein, upheld Michigan prohibiting dealers beer manufactured discriminated beer. Indianapolis Brewing Comm'n, 305 391, 59 254, 83 243. 'Since Amendment, limited *.' Id., 394, 255. Finch McKittrick, 395, 256, 246. 10 scope respect restrict, regulate, prevent traffic distribution borders remained unquestioned. Washington, 358 64, 116, 106. Ziffrin, Inc. Reeves, 308 132, 60 163, 128, Kentucky long, comprehensive measure (123 sections) designed rigidly production alcoholic means licenses otherwise. channelize traffic, minimize commonly attendant evils; facilitate collection revenue. To end manufacture, sale, transportation, permitted carefully prescribed conditions subject constant control state.' 134, 165. 'comprehensive measure' prohibited manufacturer liquo delivering product private carrier. 'Kentucky seen fit permit manufacture whiskey condition indicated class customers definitely specified ways. These unreasonable appropriate effectuating policy limiting known evils, secure payment declares removed channels contraband immediate seizure. police state; property circumstanced cannot regarded proper article commerce.' 139, 167.10 draw conclusion line decisions somehow operated 'repeal' wherever regulation concerned would, absurd oversimplification. If pro tanto 'repealed,' then left regulatory liquor. Such patently bizarre demonstrably incorrect. Jameson Morgenthau, 307 171, 804, 1189, Federal Alcohol Administration attacked ground U.S.C.A., complete exclusive unlimited clause, hence longer authority commodities States.' response theory blunt one: 'We see substance contention.' 172—173, 805. Frankfort Distilleries, 293, 65 661, 89 951. (Sherman Act.) Both parts Constitution. Like must considered light other, context issues interests stake concrete case. 13 principle reflected Collins Yosemite Park 304 518, 58 1009, 82 1502. There give her national park. said involve 'transportation 'for therein" meaning Amendment. Park, distinct sovereignty.' 538, 1018. ruling later characterized holding 'that Amendment.' Carter Virginia, 321 131, 137, 64 464, 468.11 Johnson Yellow Cab 622, 88 814, aff'g, Cir., 137 F.2d 274. 14 assume sought entry park, interest preventing unlawful do so.12 But could completely across enclave it. 15 like accommodation leads Here, ultimate country. internal State. As emphasized, case does 'measures aimed Rather, transactions aegis passed exercise explicit Constitution nations. do. 16 Affirmed. 17 Black Goldberg dissented. 18 BRENNAN took part 19 BLACK, whom GOLDBERG joins (dissenting.) 20 appellee, Bon Voyage Corporation, buys wholesale warehouses, brings them sells retail Airport. obtain license; law. keeps stock inspection, come shop, choose kind they want, pay sales just licensed regulated dealers, single difference: retailers normally make counter while arranges put purchases, supervision, aboard planes take destinations abroad. can control,1 federal, jurisdiction. nevertheless strikes down barring invalidating conflicts Treasury regulations promulgated U.S.C. § 1311 deliveries foreign-bound customs purposes supervised I think, officials perform duties relative customs, jurisdiction carrie Section became effective December 1933, provides: 21 22 Even though language leaves boundaries, argued 38 (1936), Equal Protection require persons importing Pointing discrimination violated since required 'let imported compete equal terms. say amendment, rewriting it.' 78. went claim discriminatory 'statutory void protection briefly disposed of. classification recognized deemed forbidden Fourteenth.' 79. Following case, repeated clause.' Joseph 398, 257, 246 (1939); 255, 243 (1939). principles uniformly followed today. E.g., 106 (1958); Inc., 128 today attempts distinguish our previous find myself unpersuaded distinction. 23 Market, found 'broad language' gave tax rather impatiently refused consider Amendment's history urged limitation language. supra, U.S., 63—64, S.Ct., 78—79. agree Brandeis necessary prove what obvious. now interpreted way takes away think officials, becomes look adoption. reported Senate Committee Judiciary S.J.Res. 211, 72d Cong., 2d Sess., amendment provided 2, 76 Cong.Rec. 4138 (1933). That proposal contained 3, Amendment; provided, 'Congress shall concurrent drunk sold.' Ibid. Proposing leave remnant rise real Senator Wagner k own today's denied opposed defeat 'to restore problem.' 4145. giving Government 'apparently power' allow 'extended boundaries undreamed unsuspected' supporting 4147. It opposition elimination rested fear, often voiced during debate,2 grant Government, seemingly narrow one, used whittle 2. Having heard fears expressed, Robinson Arkansas, Majority Leader, asked vote strike 3.' 4171. voted retaining States. 4179. 24 debate Senators quite plenary powers appears meant Blaine Wisconsin, chairman subcommittee hearings resolution floor manager Senate, agreed 'ought taken resolution' in, 'purpose constitutional absolute effect affecting enter confines 4143. Speaking section, Walsh Montana, member subcommittee, said, committee once hands consignee thereafter.' 4219. 25 history, passages typical, enough thought returning 'absolute control' States, restrictions might imposed. Moreover, rejecting seeing interfere restrict conferred Therefore, immaterial. promises decide best itself regulating more empowers than forcefully Wagner, who, urging eliminated said: people subject, will effectively successfully done, Government.' 4146. 26 have, Walsh's Blaine's words, 'passed line' 'enter(ed) confines' beyond dispute. debates quoted show less. 27 passengers No disputes thus competes trade go unregulated Court, There, id., 63, 79, perfectly set up monopoly confer some dealer equally obvious number engage wanted discourage consumption, easier accomplish objective worthwhile protect evils flow traffic. particular want diverted Yet interpretation renders impotent diversions. Justification result saying unhampered duties. evasion immunize regulation. Nor officials' performance Whether stays legitimate concern officials; country thereby evaded. Nothing licensing interferes duty. 28 invalidation inroads Ironically, judicial encroachment complaining 211 paved Borah Idaho traced Taney's License Cases, How. 504, 256 (1847), Bowman Chicago N.R. 125 465, 1062, 700 (1888), 'wiped Taney decision,' Leisy Hardin, 135 100, 681, 34 (1890), 'powerless themselves 4170—4171 Because Borah, wanting guarantee powerless uneasiness leaving anything less Constitutional Supreme Yet, instead protecting States' others puts interpret way. Power Nations, among several Indian Tribes.' U.S.Const. Art. I, 8, cl. 3. based primarily law: "Sale' transfer, exchange barter manner means. whatsoever consideration, includes person, principal, proprietor, agent, servant employee beverage and/or warehouse pertaining thereto. 'To sell' solicit receive for, keep expose intent sell include McKinney's Consol.Laws, c. 3—B, Subd. 28. 'No person wholesesale without obtaining therefor chapter.' 1. off unless store, entrance street level public thoroughfare occupied, conducted industry arcade subsurface leading railroad terminal.' 105, 1311. complaint relied Export-Import 10, reliance misplaced, 'lay Imposts Duties' Idlewild. appellee's original motion empanel §§ 2281 2284 district judge, retained substantive courts. L quor Corp. Rohan, D.C.N.Y., 188 434. Appeals Second Circuit dismissed expressing convened. 289 426. renewed request judge rulings established 'law case' Appeals' statement convened 'dictum.' 194 granting certiorari file petition writ mandamus, Bicks, 368 812, 88, 21, empaneled, remanded expeditious action' end. Epstein, 370 713, 1294, 794. noted, example: definition 3(28) "To This, course, sales. Whatever 105(2) requiring store thoroughfare, requirements, purchases customer, seem irrelevant exclusively country.' 379. Cf. Civic Employees Organizing Windsor, 353 364, 77 838, 894; American Federation Labor Watson, 327 582, 761, 90 873; Great Lakes Dredge Dock Huffman, 319 63 1070, 87 1407; Burford Sun Oil 315, 323—325, 1098, 1424; City Fieldcrest Dairies, 316 168, 62 986, 86 1355. Louisiana P. Thibodaux 25, 29, 31, 1058; Allegheny County Frank ashuda 185, 196—197, 1060, 1163. fact conform various statutory administrative standards conducted. indication ever questioned regularity regulations. Likewise, Mahoney Triner 401, 952, 1424, applicable 'A 404, 953. Quite independently sustained territory. Duckworth 314 390, 311, 294; Commonwealth 605. Duckworth, Jackson concurring judgment. 397, 314. Carter, Black, Frankfurter, wrote separate concurrences, relying 138, 468, 469. Gordon Texas, 355 369, 78 363, 352, similar per curiam citing supra. Prior Eighteenth large degree autonomy intoxicants. laws, Wilson Webb-Kenyon Act, still force. 121, 122. Gudger, 249 373, 39 323, 653, Reed 1917—passed strengthen Stat. 1058, 1069—a prohibition 'into' 'movement mere incident (place) shipped.' 375, 323. cited note Compare Curry 1502 (1938); Transit 814 (1944). 4143 (1933) (Senator Blaine); 4144—4148 Wagner); 4177—4178 Black).

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