Post by Logan on Feb 13, 2016 5:17:39 GMT -6
The state’s largest distributor of craft beers has been slapped with an unprecedented 90-day license suspension by the state for paying Boston bars tens of thousands of dollars to carry its beers and freeze out competitors.
The state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission said the Craft Brewers Guild of Everett spent around “$120,000 to pay kickbacks” to a dozen Boston-area establishments “in a pervasive illegal enterprise’’ that spanned at least five years.
Craft Brewers Guild distributes dozens of specialty beers, from major brewers such as Yuengling and Lagunitas, and from local companies, including Wachusett Brewing Co. and Ipswich Ale Brewery. Craft Brewers is a subsidiary of the Sheehan Family Cos., which is based in Massachusetts and operates 19 beer distributors in 13 states.
Craft Brewers would not say if it would appeal, but issued a statement promising that consumers would not be affected by the decision. It can fight the ruling in court, or instead pay a fine equal to about half its profits for the 90-day period.
Read more: www.bostonglobe.com/business/2016/02/12/state-hit-beer-distributor-with-day-license-suspension/CadsJk4om6CHfVYJP1BHwJ/story.html
The state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission said the Craft Brewers Guild of Everett spent around “$120,000 to pay kickbacks” to a dozen Boston-area establishments “in a pervasive illegal enterprise’’ that spanned at least five years.
Craft Brewers Guild distributes dozens of specialty beers, from major brewers such as Yuengling and Lagunitas, and from local companies, including Wachusett Brewing Co. and Ipswich Ale Brewery. Craft Brewers is a subsidiary of the Sheehan Family Cos., which is based in Massachusetts and operates 19 beer distributors in 13 states.
Craft Brewers would not say if it would appeal, but issued a statement promising that consumers would not be affected by the decision. It can fight the ruling in court, or instead pay a fine equal to about half its profits for the 90-day period.
Read more: www.bostonglobe.com/business/2016/02/12/state-hit-beer-distributor-with-day-license-suspension/CadsJk4om6CHfVYJP1BHwJ/story.html