G.W. Liquors of Collier, Inc. v. Department of Business Regulation, Division of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco

Eugene Wilner appeals the per se denial by the Department of Business Regulation, Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (Department) of his application for an alcoholic beverage license. This denial was based on a prior felony conviction although his civil rights lost on conviction were restored prior to submitting his application. He contends that the Department erred as a matter of law by denying his application solely because of his prior felony conviction. We agree with his contention and reverse and remand with directions.

We find Sandlin v. Criminal Justice Standards & Training…