Fasano: “I’m not in favor of high prices but what I’m in favor of is true competition”

September 2, 2016

WTNH

MILFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — After just nine days, the Connecticut liquor price battle is over, but the war has not ended.

The Total Wine and More store in Milford is among the stores that had been advertising below state-mandated minimum prices since last week. The State Department of Consumer Protection Liquor Control Division fast-tracked an investigation, imposing a fine of $37,500 Thursday and ordering the price cutting to stop.

Governor Dannel Malloy praised the swift action by the agency, but reiterated that his position on the minimum pricing law has not changed.
“I believe the law to be illegal,” said Gov. Malloy.

The highest ranking Republican in state government, State Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano of North Haven disagrees.
“I’m not in favor of high prices but what I’m in favor of is true competition,” said Fasano.

Fasano says if Total Wine and chains like them are allowed to have their way, they will crush the smaller stores and then eventually hike the prices back up.

But there are many shoppers that agree with the Governor on this and want to let the free market work.

“I’m all for the lower prices and the wars that are going on right now. I wish all the liquor stores would do it,” said Tom Garrow of the Huntington section of Shelton, who was shopping at the Total Wine store.

But a surprising number of shoppers say they sympathize with the smaller retailers.

“I think everybody would like to see lower prices, but I understand it’s difficult for the smaller stores to keep up with that,” said Catherine Lloyd of Milford.

“The ‘minimums’ keep everything kind of fair for the smaller businesses, the small liquor stores. There’s a couple down the road that are mom and pop places that are trying to compete with a big place like this,” added Luke Kyer, also of Milford.

The Total Wine store chain has switched their advertising strategy and is now attempting to make this an election issue for members of the State House and Senate. They’re urging customers to contact state lawmakers and get them to vote to repeal the minimum pricing law an effort that has failed five years in a row.

The fines against Total Wines will not affect the retailer’s court case against the minimum pricing law which will proceed.

“Immediately upon learning that Total Wine & More was advertising and selling products below what is permitted by the State’s minimum price rules, DCP’s Liquor Control Division opened an investigation,” explained Commissioner Jonathan Harris. “I am pleased that, through the hard work of many people at DCP, we were able to resolve this issue swiftly and level the playing field for the many retailers who continue to price consistent with the requirements of the Liquor Control Act.”