Court Upholds Another State Alcohol Law

Monarch is the largest beer and wine distributor in the state. (Image Courtesy of Monarch Beverage)

The Indiana Court of Appeals has upheld a lower court ruling in a lawsuit filed by Indianapolis-based Monarch Beverage Company Inc. The distributor was challenging laws that keep beer wholesalers from distributing liquor. This is the second time this week state alcohol regulations have been upheld in court.

On Monday, a U.S. 7th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling also favored the state in a suit filed by the Indiana Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association over cold beer sales. Current regulations only permit it to be sold in package and liquor stores. Several interest groups in the state say the law is unconstitutional and cold beer should be in grocery stores and pharmacies. You can read more about the 7th Circuit of Appeals decision by clicking here.

The Indiana Court of Appeals says Indiana law prohibits alcohol wholesalers from "holding interests in both beer and liquor permits." In the decision, the court says Monarch Beverage has argued the regulations discriminate against beer wholesalers who also wish to hold a liquor license, which is "not based upon an inherent difference between beer and liquor wholesalers." The court disagrees, affirming a previous trial court ruling.

You can connect to the Indiana Court of Appeals opinion on the Monarch Beverage v. Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission Chairman decision by clicking here.