Brief Fact Summary. Ollie’s Barbecue, a family-run business in Alabama did not serve blacks in the restaurant, which was in violation of Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (the Act).
Synopsis of Rule of Law. Congress has the ability to require desegregation of restaurants under the Commerce Clause.
That appellee's own contribution to the demand for wheat may be trivial by itself is not enough to remove him from the scope of federal regulation where, as here, his contribution, taken together with that of many others similarly situated, is far from trivial.
View Full Point of LawIssue. May Congress regulate racial discrimination by locally owned and operated restaurants?
Held. Yes. Appeals court ruling reversed and remanded. Many of the issues in the case had been answered in Heart of Atlanta Motel, 379 U.S. 241 (1964). The largest remaining question was whether the Appellees’ establishment serves interstate travelers or offers food that a substantial portion of which has moved in interstate commerce. Because Appellees admitted the latter query was true, the Supreme Court of the United States (Supreme Court) ruled that Congress had authority to regulate the restaurant under the Commerce Clause.
Discussion. Katzenbach v. McClung was decided on the same day as Heart of Atlanta Motel and represented the desegregation efforts by the Supreme Court. Again, it is notable that the Supreme Court ruled that Congress’ authority extended from the Commerce Clause.