Indiana distributor Monarch Beverage Co. previously filed suit in U.S. District Court challenging state law that prohibits beer wholesalers from holding a permit to wholesale liquor. Currently, wine wholesalers have the ability to also distribute beer and liquor. Monarch claimed that the prohibition is an arbitrary restraint that serves no legitimate state interest. Now, a District Court judge has ruled against Monarch’s claim, essentially holding that Indiana’s alcohol distribution laws do not violate equal protection requirements and that the distributor failed to prove it was being treated differently than other Indiana beer distributors.
Distributor Challenge to Indiana Law Fails

Pete Johnson served as the State & Regulatory Affairs Manager for the Brewers Association (BA) until 2024. He joined the BA at its inception in 2005, having previously worked as Programs Director for the Brewers Association of America. Before coming to the small brewing industry in 2001, Pete worked for 14 years with both state and federal elected officials in Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C.
See Pete Johnson's Articles
Pete Johnson served as the State & Regulatory Affairs Manager for the Brewers Association (BA) until 2024. He joined the BA at its inception in 2005, having previously worked as Programs Director for the Brewers Association of America. Before coming to the small brewing industry in 2001, Pete worked for 14 years with both state and federal elected officials in Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C.
See Pete Johnson's Articles