Harron v. Town of Franklin

Plaintiff obtained a lease and permits and renovated a space for a tavern, but was unable to obtain transfer of the previous operator's liquor license or a new license. He began to sell liquor without a license. A police crack-down culminated in a raid, after which business declined. Without holding a hearing, the city decided not to approve a license. The business closed. The district court dismissed claims under state negligence law and 42 U.S.C. 1983. The First Circuit affirmed. Plaintiff did not adequately allege deprivation of a federal right; the city's actions were not conscience-shocking. Plaintiff had no property interest in a liquor license.