INDIANAPOLIS (AP) _ The Indiana Court of Appeals has ruled that the largest beer and wine wholesaler in the state can't distribute both beer and liquor.
The Indianapolis Star (http://indy.st/1YmTuEb ) reports the court ruled 3-0 that Monarch Beverage Co. can't distribute liquor to retailers. State law says if it wants to do that, it must not sell beer.
Monarch had argued the state's statute discriminates against beer wholesalers by treating them differently from everyone else, including retailers and wine wholesalers, who are able to distribute liquor.
Judge James Kirsch wrote Thursday that to successfully claim violation of that statute, Monarch would have to identify similar companies that have been treated differently and are allowed to sell both beer and liquor. The three-judge panel unanimously agreed that Monarch was unable to do so.
