When it rained, it poured…
Last week, certain courts within Connecticut suffered catastrophic historic rainfall resulting in extreme and devastating flooding. Within a few days after that rainfall, Governor Lamont declared a state Civil Preparedness Emergency and requested that the federal government declare a federal emergency for Fairfield Coun1y, New Haven County, and Litchfield County. It was estimated that almost 16 inches of rain fell in 6-8 hours, resulting in widespread flooding, emergency evacuations, homes and businesses, and even the loss of life.
The Department of Consumer Protection's Liquor Control Division (Department) became aware that business’s liquor permits in the impacted areas were either closed due to flooding, unable to open due to road closings, or experienced dramatically reduced patronage due to the impacts of this historic flooding.
The Department noted that the reduced business operation impacted liquor permit holders' ability to pay invoices for alcoholic beverages within the thirty-day period required by law.
Accordingly, and consistent with the state law "to generally do what is reasonably necessary for the carrying out of the intent" of the Liquor Control Act and its regulations, the Department extends the 30-day alcoholic liquor wholesale credit period for alcoholic beverages as follows:
The extension applies to all on- and off-premises retail permittees in Monroe, Newtown, Oxford, Seymour, Southbury, Weston, and Wilton (including, but not limited to, package stores, grocery stores, restaurants, cafes, and craft cafes).
All alcoholic liquor invoices received on credit due owing on any date between including August 18 through August 31 shall receive a 21 -day extension on payment if desired by the retail permit holder.
If any retail permittee in Fairfield County, New Haven County, and Litchfield but not located in any of the above-mentioned towns, has been closed or had business substantially impacted by the August 18 flooding, it may reach out to the Department for permission to receive a 21-day extension. All such requests will be reviewed by the Department. Permit holders should be prepared to show supporting documentation (photos), All such requests must be filed on or before August 31.
Such requests should be emailed on or before August 31 to DCP.LiquorControl@ct.gov
The last time the Department allowed for a retail credit or extension was at the beginning of the outbreak of the Covid-19 in Connecticut.
It is expected that the Department will update liquor permit on return policies for wholesalers and retaililers as a result of what is expected to be a significant loss or damage to liquor product.
If would like additional information, or assistance, please feel free to reach out to the JJS Consulting Group at 203-246-1971 or suchyiack@gmail.com