Dispensing closure, package and method of manufacture

A dispensing closure includes a closure shell (30) of one-piece integrally molded plastic construction having a base (32) for securement to a container neck finish and a lid (34) coupled by a hinge (36) to the base. The base has a deck (38), a recess (46, 52) extending across the deck from a point adjacent to the hinge, and a dispensing opening (66) in the recess. The lid has a base portion (76) for receipt in the recess in the closed position of the lid and a tongue (82) at an end of the lid remote from the hinge. A latch (64, 84) on the base in the recess engages the tongue on the lid releasably to hold the lid in the closed position. The latch preferably comprises a snap latch that includes an internal bead (84) on the tongue and an external latch element (64) in the recess over which the internal bead is received in the closed position of the lid. The base preferably includes a ledge (54) in the recess against which the tongue abuts, and a pair of ribs (58, 60) for frictionally holding the tongue against the body.