LIQUOR CHAIN CHALLENGES CONNECTICUT MINIMUM PRICING LAW

Hartford — A national liquor retailer is taking Connecticut to court over the state's minimum pricing rules for certain alcoholic beverages.

Total Wine & More says it filed a lawsuit Tuesday in U.S. District Court challenging Connecticut's long-standing law prohibiting retailers from selling bottles of alcohol, excluding beer, below a minimum price.

The Maryland-based company is the country's largest independent retailer of liquor, beer and wine.

Total Wine Vice President of Public Affairs Edward Cooper says it's time for Connecticut to “enter the 21st century” when it comes to selling wine and spirits.

Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has unsuccessfully pushed for legislation to end minimum pricing. Many of the state's small package store owners have fought such measures.

The Connecticut Attorney General's Office has not yet been served with the complaint.