US, MN: MillerCoors may suspend beer sales because of Government shutdown

MillerCoors, the U.S. arm of Molson Coors Brewing Co, may have to suspend beer sales in Minnesota as a side-effect of the shutdown of the state’s government, Denver Business Journal reported on July, 13.

Renewal of MillerCoors’ license to sell 39 beer brands in Minnesota was still pending July 1 when state agencies halted operations in a budget impasse.

“Without that brand label registration, their distribution and sales aren’t allowed to continue” in the state’s liquor stores, bars and restaurants, Doug Neville, a Minnesota public safety department spokesman, told Reuters.

A MillerCoors spokesman said that the company paid its branding fees two weeks before the shutdown, but paid too much and had to write a second check. That apparently delayed the process.

“We followed all state laws,” said spokesman Julian Green. “We have 39 brands at stake here in one of the most important markets in the country during one of the most important seasons. We take this very seriously.”

Chicago-based MillerCoors makes and sells beer in the U.S. for Denver and Montreal-based Molson Coors and London-based SABMiller PLC.

15 July, 2011