2018 Minnesota Statutes

325B.02 NO INDUCEMENT OR COERCION.

No brewer shall:

(1) Induce or coerce, or attempt to induce or coerce, any beer wholesaler to accept delivery of any alcoholic beverage or any other commodity which shall not have been ordered by the beer wholesaler.

(2) Induce or coerce, or attempt to induce or coerce, any beer wholesaler to do any illegal act or thing by threatening to amend, cancel, terminate, or refuse to renew any agreement existing between a brewer and a beer wholesaler.

(3) Require a wholesaler to assent to any condition, stipulation or provision limiting the wholesaler's right to sell the product of any other brewer anywhere in the state of Minnesota, provided that the acquisition of the product of another brewer does not materially impair the quality of service or quantity of sales of the existing brand or brands of the brewer seeking to impose the condition, stipulation or provision.

(4) Refuse to supply, in reasonable quantities and within a reasonable time after receipt of the wholesaler's order, beer ordered by a wholesaler who has an agreement with the brewer for sale and distribution of the brewer's beer, unless the refusal to supply is due to:

(i) the brewer's prudent and reasonable restrictions on extension of credit to the wholesaler;

(ii) weather or other natural events;

(iii) a work stoppage or delay resulting from a strike or other labor dispute;

(iv) a bona fide shortage of materials;

(v) a freight embargo; or

(vi) any other cause over which the brewer or the brewer's agents have no control.

History:

1977 c 328 s 2; 1986 c 444; 1994 c 611 s 1