A major liquor distributor is facing a stiff fine after shortages that thinned store shelves in Michigan last year.
Michigan’s Attorney General’s office and the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) say the Republic National Distributing Company has acknowledged 88 violations of the state liquor control code.
In 2019, the company was the subject of hundreds of complaints, ranging from delayed or missed deliveries to a lack of customer service.
“Distributors must abide by the rules or be subject to a fine,” says Pat Gagliardi, MLCC chair. “I am deeply appreciative of the assistance from the Attorney General’s office and all of the hard work of the MLCC staff in negotiating this agreement.”
As part of an agreement, the company will pay a $3 million fine and comply with an independent audit. Republic National Distributing will also be on probation for a year and have to submit monthly compliance reports.
In a written statement to The Detroit News, a company spokesman says they're glad to put the matter behind them and apologizes for the "difficulties" in 2019.
