Malloy calls for changing Conn. liquor pricing
Malloy seeks to change Connecticut's fixed pricing system for retail liquor sales
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) -- Lawmakers are considering a bill proposed by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's administration that would change how liquor is priced for retail sales in Connecticut.
Current law states that no retail permit holder can sell liquor at a price below their cost. But Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner William Rubenstein told members of the legislature's General Law Committee on Tuesday that cost includes a separate, so-called "bottle price" that's set by the wholesalers each month.
Malloy's bill would set the minimum allowable retail price at the actual cost paid by retailers for each bottle, plus shipping and delivery costs.
The Connecticut Package Stores Association claims Malloy's proposal will harm the product selection available today and ultimately lead to higher, not lower prices, for consumers if big-box retailers ultimately dominate the market.
