NEW CUMBERLAND – Wine and beer distributors in the state allege that a national alcohol company and its partners in West Virginia are monopolizing wine distribution.
Wine and Beverage Merchants of West Virginia Inc., Atomic Distributing Co., Beverage Distributors Inc., J.C. Distributing Co. LLC, Phillip Jay Shifflett, Jo's Globe Distributing Co., and Martin Distributing Co. filed a complaint July 10 in Hancock Circuit Court against Mountain State Beverage Inc., Mountain Eagle Inc., Northern Eagle Inc., William J. Rucker Jr., Scott Parkes and Johnson Bros. Liquor Co. alleging restraints of trade, monopolization and other counts.
According to the complaint, the plaintiffs allege that they have been damaged by the defendants' actions because of unfair competition and other unlawful practices to restrain trade and destroy competition.
The plaintiffs holds Mountain State Beverage Inc., Mountain Eagle Inc., Northern Eagle Inc., William J. Rucker Jr., Scott Parkes and Johnson Bros. Liquor Co. responsible because the defendants allegedly induced suppliers into participating in their plan to refuse to deal with other competitors including the plaintiff.
The plaintiffs seek compensatory and remedial damages, punitive damages, court costs, enjoin the defendant and any further relief the court grants. They are represented by Eric B. Snyder, Steven R. Ruby and Isaac R. Forman of Bailey & Glasser LLP in Charleston. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge David J. Sims.
Hancock Circuit Court Case number 17-C-91