DALLAS, TX – May 4, 2016 – Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC), the nation’s second largest premium wine and spirits distributor, issued the following statement today in response to the action taken by the U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland.
“RNDC is extremely disappointed to learn that the U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland has chosen to take this action,” stated Tom Cole, President and CEO of RNDC. “We have worked diligently with the U.S. Attorney’s office since first learning about the investigation in 2012, and have seen no evidence to support their version of the facts. RNDC emphatically denies these allegations and looks forward to our day in court where we will demonstrate that the prosecutors’ accusations are based on erroneous assumptions, unsubstantiated theories, and represent an unprecedented attempt at federal government overreach.”
“In addition to not being supported by facts, today’s action is a rogue effort by a federal agency to seize control of the state regulation of liquor sales in violation of longstanding law.1 The wholesale distribution of beverage alcohol in the U.S. is the most effective and efficient system of adult beverage distribution in the world today, ensuring product integrity and safety, sales to only licensed retailers, and an effective method of tax collection for local, state and federal authorities,” Cole added.
RNDC is founded on the core values of accountability, honesty, customer focus, professionalism and family. These values are reflected in the Company’s longstanding commitment to ethical and operational integrity and adherence to its strong compliance programs.
“With over 100 years of exemplary business on our side, we expect complete exoneration,” stated Cole.
About Republic National Distributing Company
Republic National Distributing Company, LLC is one of the oldest family-owned beverage alcohol distributors in America, with its roots dating back to 1898. RNDC is the second largest wholesale distributor in the United States and employs over 10,000 men and women in twenty-two states and the District of Columbia. For more information, please visit www.rndc-usa.com.
The 21st Amendment to the United States Constitution gives the individual states the right and authority to regulate the sale of alcohol within their borders. The U.S. Attorney of Maryland’s charges are in direct conflict with the 21st Amendment.
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