Suit: Connecticut Liquor Laws Unfair To Consumers

HARTFORD, Conn. (CBSNewYork) -- A federal lawsuit is challenging Connecticut's liquor laws, alleging that outdated regulations force consumers to pay more for their liquor and beer.

The lawsuit has been filed by Total Wine & More, a large independent retailer of wine and spirits, WCBS 880's Fran Schneidau reported. 

Company spokesperson Edward Cooper said the current minimum pricing law in -- which is mandatory -- often results in higher retail prices in Connecticut than in bordering states and often prompts buyers to go across state lines to purchase alcohol.

"That's why we've challenged it in federal court," Cooper said. "Essentially it's price-fixing by the retailers. There is no competition -- there is no market competition -- on price."

Cooper alleges the current law is unfair to consumers.

However, smaller mom and pop shops argue that they would be put out of business since larger liquor stores can afford to offer huge discounts as they buy in greater volume than smaller establishments.