Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. v. Texas Alcoholic Beverage Comm’n

The Association, a trade group representing holders of permits allowing liquor retailing in the state of Texas, seek to intervene in a lawsuit between Wal-Mart and the Commission. In the suit, Wal-Mart alleges that the regulatory system administered by the Commission operates exclusively for the benefit of the Association’s members in violation of the Equal Protection, Commerce, and Comity Clauses of the United States Constitution. The district court denied the Association’s motion to intervene. The court concluded that the Association has a protectable interest that may be impaired or injured by the outcome of the lawsuit between Wal-Mart and the Commission, and that the Association has shown that the Commission may not adequately represent its interests. Accordingly, the court reversed the district court’s denial of the Association’s motion to intervene. View "Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. v. Texas Alcoholic Beverage Comm'n" on Justia Law