WASHINGTON (WTVF) — In a 7-2 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has struck down a Tennessee law that created a two-year residency requirement for those seeking to operate a liquor store in Tennessee.
The challenge was originally brought by Doug and Mary Ketchum, a Memphis couple who wanted to start a liquor store in Tennessee after moving from Utah.
Justice Samuel Alito, writing for the majority, said the requirement creates barriers to interstate commerce, which the Constitution forbids, because it “blatantly favors the State’s residents and has little relationship to public health and safety.”
The case began when the Tennessee Wine and Spirits Retailers Association opposed the issuance of licenses to the Ketchums.
