Detroit Retail Druggists' Ass'n v. City of Detroit

Defendant city appeals from a decree declaring invalid and permanently restraining enforcement of an ordinance of the city of Detroit, imposing a license fee of $5 per year on vendors of cigarettes, on the ground the amount is excessive and unreasonable.

Since 1915 the fee had been $1 per year. In 1932 the common council raised the license fees on several occupations and set the cigarette vendors ’ charge at $10. The mayor vetoed the ordinance and the fee was placed at $5. It is claimed the increase of license fees was for the purpose of raising revenue for the city and not for regulation of…