Anheuser-Busch Loses Bid to Ax Distributor’s Competition Claims

Anheuser-Busch LLC must face unfair competition litigation over the structure of its distribution agreements with beer wholesalers in Connecticut, which strictly regulates the relationships between alcohol manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers, a federal judge ruled.

Judge Michael P. Shea let part of the case move forward in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut, saying it’s plausible Anheuser-Busch gained an unfair competitive edge by violating “the public policy embedded in the Connecticut Liquor Control Act” through restrictions it placed on wholesalers.

The lawsuit by Dichello Distribution Inc., targeting provisions that give Anheuser-Busch a veto over key wholesaler personnel, may ...