Major Breweries Claim Alta. distributor keeping booze from thirsty drinkers

Edmonton – A lawsuit filed by three major breweries claims Alberta’s liquor distribution monopoly is keeping booze away from thirsty drinkers.

Edmonton – A lawsuit filed by three major breweries claims Alberta’s liquor distribution monopoly is keeping booze away from thirsty drinkers.

Molson Canada, Labatt Brewing Co. Ltd. and Sleeman Breweries Ltd. have filed a claim against the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission and Connect Logistics Services Inc.

The lawsuit alleges Connect – the liquor commission’s distributor for wine, spirits, coolers and imported beers – has not been able to keep up with the sales demands of the three plaintiffs.

A separate distributor, not involved in the lawsuit, handles distribution of domestic beers.
“AGLC requires all alcoholic beverage suppliers. Including the plaintiffs, to ship their liquor to – and store their liquor in – a warehouse . . . which at all material time was operated by Connect,” the claim states.

“Connect is then responsible for arranging the shipment and distribution of the liquor to alcoholic beverage licensees,” it continues.

The claim also alleges Connect was ill-equipped to deal with the size of shipments from the three breweries, forcing the companies to pay extra fees due to the fact its shippers could not deliver product as scheduled.

The three plaintiffs were not given the ability to opt out of this method of warehousing.

A statement of defence responding to the allegations as not yet been filed.