Connecticut Court Affirms Minimum Pricing Laws

A three-judge panel affirmed the earlier dismissal of Total Wine & More's lawsuit.

Total Wine & More previously filed suit against Connecticut's minimum pricing laws. If the chain wishes to continue its fight, it must now appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court.
Total Wine & More previously filed suit against Connecticut's minimum pricing laws. If the chain wishes to continue its fight, it must now appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court.

Total Wine & More’s challenge to Connecticut’s minimum pricing laws took a hit recently when a three-judge panel affirmed an earlier dismissal of Total’s lawsuit by a lower court. Writing for the panel, U.S. Circuit Judge Paul Engelmayer said the Connecticut law—which prohibits retailers from selling liquor below cost and bans volume discounts from wholesalers—is not preempted by federal anti-trust laws. Total can still appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court or pursue changes through the Connecticut legislature.