Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court May 11, 2005 (Mendoza v. Licensing Board)

Cordy, J.

For eight years, Jose Mendoza, the proprietor of Oliver’s, a bar and entertainment venue in Fall River, has sought to stage nude dancing. Through its elected and appointed officials, the city of Fall River (city or Fall River) has attempted to prevent Mendoza from doing so, repeatedly denying his application for an adult entertainment license and passing various restrictive ordinances.