Total Wine & More and BevMax have agreed to conform to Connecticut’s minimum pricing rules for wine and spirits, just days after announcing they would openly defy the law, which they say artificially forces higher prices on to consumers.
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The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection says the payment is “part of the resolution of this matter”. In the meantime, the Department of Consumer Protection said BevMart agreed to stop selling its liquor below the state minimum at its 11 locations. The chain’s spokesman didn’t immediately return a message. But the DCP will continue to enforce those laws until they are amended by the legislature or declared unlawful in court, according to the statement.
The state Department of Consumer Protection fast-tracked and completed its investigation in Total Wine & More’s advertising and sales of alcohol below the minimum price rules set in the Liquor Control Act, according to a statement released by the agency on Thursday.
BevMax, another chain with stores throughout CT that lowered some prices this week, also decided Thursday to raise its prices back to the state-mandated retail floor.
Minimum pricing laws forbid retailers of alcoholic beverages from selling products below cost.
The leaders of the General Assembly’s General Law Committee, which handles alcohol-related matters, praised the agency for its quick action, saying it will send a strong message to other liquor retailers. It prevents retailers from selling wine and liquor below a minimum price, the wholesalers’ posted price-per-bottle in a case.
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The deal resulted in a sigh of relief from the state’s small package store owners who depend on the price thresholds to remain competitive with big-box stores like BevMax and Total Wine. “Our customers deserve lower prices, and we’ll continue to fight on your behalf”.
