What are the deadlines and rules for price posting by wholesalers, manufacturers, and suppliers?
This article explains the rules for price posting in Connecticut. It is intended to help licensees meet their filing deadlines and understand their responsibilities when wholesaling. For full information, see General Statutes § 30-63.
Connecticut’s price posting rules establish a state minimum price for alcohol retail purchases. There is no state maximum.
To understand price posting, you must understand that Connecticut is a three-tier distribution state. This means suppliers (such as manufacturers and shippers) sell to wholesalers who in turn sell to retailers. The supplier tier and wholesaler tier each have different rules for price posting.
1. Supplier Tier: Out-of-State Shippers and CT Manufactures (who sell to wholesalers)
The “supplier tier” must post at least once a year by December 6 to set prices for the upcoming year. The prices will take effect on January 1 and roll over monthly for the entire year. Late posting is strictly prohibited. No product can be sold until it is price posted.
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“Supplier tier” means LSL, LSB, LCL, LCB, LSW, LMB, LMS, LMW, LFW (LOR does not need to price post)
If there is a price change during the year or if new products are introduced into the market, the supplier must price post by the 6th of the month. These new prices and new products take effect the first day of the following month.
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Example: Wine Country Shippers wants to launch Little Red Merlot in Connecticut in September. Wine Country Shippers must price post Little Red Merlot by August 6 for the wine to be sold beginning September 1.
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Example: Wicked Distillery Shipper wants to adjust the price of its flagship Wicked Bourbon beginning in April. Wicked Distillery Shipper must price post by March 6 for the new pricing to be in effect on April 1.
Every product that is price posted must have a wholesaler appointment. For information about distributorship, please visit our separate article.
2. Wholesaler Tier: Wholesalers and CT Manufacturers (who act as a wholesaler and sell to retailers)
The “wholesale tier” must post monthly by the 12th of the month. The prices will take effect the first day of the following month. Wholesaler tier means LIW, LWB, LMB, LMS, LMW, and LFW. No product can be sold until it is price posted.
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Example: Fairfield County Wholesale wants to introduce Spicy Pumpkin Ale into the market for October. Fairfield County Wholesale must price post Spicy Pumpkin Ale by September 12 for sale on October 1.
Wholesalers have a price amendment period for dualed products only. A wholesaler may lower its prices to match a competitor on any jointly dualed product. Prices may only be lowered and never raised. The amendment must be filed by 3:00 p.m. on the 4th day after the 12th (excluding state holidays).
3. General Rules for Suppliers and Wholesalers
Price corrections are allowed for typographical errors only. All correction and amendment requests must be reviewed and approved by Liquor Control. Documentation explaining the need for the correction must be submitted. Submit corrections for consideration only through your assigned Biznet license account.
Every price posting must included the following information: brand name, container size (bottle/can volume), number of containers per case, price per case and per bottle (if split case sales apply), and discounted prices (if on special; don’t forget to price post again when the special or discount has concluded).
Private labels are allowed and must be separately price posted in their own posting submission on your assigned Biznet license account.
Quick Reference Deadlines
Out-of-State Shipper Annual Filing
Deadline: December 6
Effective: Jan.1 (year long)
Out-of-State Shipper Mid-Year Change
Deadline: 6th of month
Effective: 1st of following month
Wholesaler/Manufacturer Monthly Filing
Deadline: 12th monthly
Effective: 1st of following month
Wholesaler Amendment
Deadline: By 3:00 p.m. on 4th day after 12th
Note: Amend down to Competitor for dual items only
Need More Help?
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Contact the Department’s Liquor Control Division. Have your permit number ready and include a detailed description of the issue you’re encountering.