Package Deal to End Blue Laws Could Squash 'Price-Fixing'

As the Nutmeg State prepares to overhaul its , the Connecticut Package Store Association (CPSA) warned of a big-box invasion.

Because wrapped in is a proposal to end a decades-long practice of what some legislators are calling price-fixing.

Connecticut uses a price posting system to enforce uniform pricing. Distributors must offer the same price to all retailers and publically post those prices. Distributors can't offer quantity discounts to retailers. 

"I have to say that except for about five in 200, people are in favor of Sunday sales, but I don't think people understood this was a package deal," said state Rep. Kim Rose (D-Milford).

The CPSA represents more than 1,000 of the state's package stores. It said ending price floors would mean thousands of lost jobs. The group initially opposed Sunday sales, but overwhelming support caused them to retreat.

Instead they worry ending price floors will give chain stores and supermarkets an unfair advantage when purchasing alcohol because they can buy in bulk and sell at steep discounts. Smaller stores won't be able to compete, they testified in a recent public hearing.

However, rather than legislate a price floor, Rose said it's up to people whether they will shop at local mom-and-pop stores or big chain stores.

"There is no other industry where we set prices," she said. "We don't tell people how to price milk."

On another matter, Rose will testify at a public hearing on March 6 regarding legislation she introduced to ban the sale of tobacco-related products to minors.

The proposed legislation will make it illegal for stores to sell rolling paper and other related products to minors.

Would you pay more to support a local liquor store? Tell us in the comments.